Loose clutch even after bleeding it

[dwtdil]

My 14 reg petrol Yaris suddenly had it's clutch become lose and gear could not be engaged. I googled and thought bleeding it usually fixes it. Booked a 156 pound clutch bleeding service on clickmechanic as I urgently needed it. Guy came and replaced clutch fluid saying it's black and hadnt been changed in years. It worked well after that for a day and it suddenly became lose again after I left car in driveway for a couple of hours. 

 

Any experts opinions or suggestions?

[TonyHSD]

Hm, it sounds like master cylinder problem or perhaps anything on the other side . I haven’t worked on Yaris transmission and can’t be of any further help. But the mechanics should have asked why do you need bleeding at first place. Maybe back with them to recheck and confirm the problem. 

[dwtdil]

Thanks for your reply. I will get it checked first. Any ideas of costs? For ex., Did I pay too much for bleeding at 156 pounds?

[anchorman]

Yes you did.  Keep in mind that when bleeding the clutch on that model you have to keep it full to the brim because it takes fluid from the top of the reservoir.   After that, bleeding it is nothing special.  

[Derek.w]

Thats expensive and I suspect he changed all the brake/clutch fluid at that price.

[dwtdil]

16 hours ago, anchorman said:

Yes you did.  Keep in mind that when bleeding the clutch on that model you have to keep it full to the brim because it takes fluid from the top of the reservoir.   After that, bleeding it is nothing special.  

@anchorman Can you kindly explain "keep it full to the brim"? 

[dwtdil]

16 hours ago, Derek.w said:

Thats expensive and I suspect he changed all the brake/clutch fluid at that price.

Yes, he claimed to have replaced it and shared that it was bled at 18psi. 

He has now quoted 1036 pounds to replace master and slave cylinder both as a best practice. 

Is it common for Yaris to develop this kind of faults?

[anchorman]

29 minutes ago, dwtdil said:

@anchorman Can you kindly explain "keep it full to the brim"? 

The fluid reservoir needs to be filled to the brim for bleeding otherwise air is admitted and the clutch pedal will feel loose.  From what you’re describing, you’d be better going to a local garage or even a dealer to have repairs done.  Don’t trust this mobile guy.  

[Stivino]

 

There is no need for it to be kept full to the brim during the bleeding process as air can’t get into the system from the master cylinder until the the surface of the fluid is below the top of the draw off point

[anchorman]

1 minute ago, Stivino said:

 

There is no need for it to be kept full to the brim during the bleeding process as air can’t get into the system from the master cylinder until the the surface of the fluid is below the top of the draw off point

The top of the draw off point is above the level of the brake fluid which uses the same reservoir.  It needs to be kept right at the top or it won’t bleed.  

[Stivino]

If the top of the draw off is above the level of the fluid, the fluid won’t run into it.

[anchorman]

3 hours ago, Stivino said:

If the top of the draw off is above the level of the fluid, the fluid won’t run into it.

Have you ever bled the clutch on one because I have many times and it has to be full in order to bleed it.  The fluid comes off the top of the reservoir so if it develops a leak it won’t drain the brake fluid.  Argue all you like I don’t care.  

[Derek.w]

Ihe brake/clutch fluid must be between the low and high marks at all times even when you bleed the system.

[anchorman]

Beam me up Scottie.  

[bathtub tom]

Forgive them Don, for they know not what they are......................................

[TonyHSD]

+1 not to trust that mechanic. Do not replace any parts before 100% sure they need to be replaced. How old is the car, miles, service history, any warranty still on? Perhaps visit to the dealer or someone who understands these cars and had worked on is your best bet 👍

[dwtdil]

Thanks all for your opinions and suggestions. I decided to take a second opinion as @TonyHSD rightly suggested. Halfords inspected and determined the master cylinder was at faults and replaced it for £469. 

[paul9]

Well, you know Halfords don't usually like to be the cheapest around, so just think how much the other fella was going to overcharge! 🤯