Urgent Help Needed!

[JT]

HELP!! :ffs: :censor:

ive just got into my car to go somewhere, went to put it in 1st, and seemed dificult to engage. i thought nothing of it, as its a bit notchy sometimes when its cold, but i set off then found it difficult to get out of 1st and into 2nd (like the clutch wasnt in properly - which it was). this was then repeated in every gear, and the clutch pedal went progressively "looser" - like it has no spring action, you just press it doen and it pretty much stays there. ive turned round, got home, pulled up and it now wont engage any gears at all - it feels like the clutch isn't connected or something. its fine when the engine is off, and you dont need the clutch, so its obviously something to do with the clutch, but what? it had a new clutch about 4000 miles ago, if that has anything to do with it?

i don't know what to do - i cant move it!!

[waqarv]

hi james, check your brake fluid and clutch fluid reservoir( might need topping up) , if not that then also check your clutch slave cylinder (mounted on gearbox)

i have had this problem in the past a few times. hope this helps

[JT]

hi waqar

just topped up the brake/clutch fluid reservoir. what am i meant to be checking for on the slave cylinder, as its still not working?

[waqarv]

check for leaks (oil) on the slave cylinder.

[waqarv]

was the brake/ clutch fluid low? if so try to drive it in 1st gear then in reverse, and keep pumping the brakes.

[JT]

no leaks, all clean. just has someone check if it was moving when i pushed the clutch, and it was.

managed to get it in gear (just!) and when i did the biting point was on the floor

[waqarv]

any luck?

[JT]

just tried the 1st gear/reverse thing with the brakes, but it wasnt getting any better, and i dont like to keep forcing it in gear. did it about 4 times.

when you go to put it in gear with the clutch in, and you move the gearstick there is a high-pitched whirring noise from somewhere under the bonnet. its hardest to engage 1st, but all the others are still difficult, and as i said, the biting point is on the floor

[TOYMOTA]

I had a similar problem on my GTI last year. Over the course of 10 miles or so the clutch got worse and worse until I was crunching it into gear. It turned out to be a leak on the clutch fluid nipple. Topped it up, and re-tightened it and all was fine after that. BTW there was no real sign of the leak from under the bonnet.

[JT]

its been sorted now.

it was the clutch master cylinder. i stuck my head under the dash, and could see it all leaking. so i had to tow it to the garage (on the day it was meant to be getting its custom exhaust), and my wallet's £120 lighter. but at least my car works!