Clutch bottoms out

[Pm3]

There have been several threads regarding the bottoming out and failure to return of the clutch pedal on cold starts. Would it seem illogical if the master cylinder has been replaced along with the fluid and the clutch pedal still does not return occasionally to look at clutch replacement in a 40m mile C5 ? The dealer where my car sits now says that's the next step.

 

[Hib Halverson]

There have been several threads regarding the bottoming out and failure to return of the clutch pedal on cold starts. Would it seem illogical if the master cylinder has been replaced along with the fluid and the clutch pedal still does not return occasionally to look at clutch replacement in a 40m mile C5 ? The dealer where my car sits now says that's the next step.

I'd look at the slave, first, but, from a labor standpoint, that's nearly the same.

40,000 miles on a clutch...hard to say if that's good or bad w/o knowing how the car was driven and how old it is.

 

[Pm3]

It wasn't beat but enjoyed. So in your opinion then I might as well do the clutch if the car is that torn open?

 

[Hib Halverson]

Well....depends on how much longer you're going to keep it. You've owned it 11 years. If you're going to keep it for another 11 years and another 40K mi., definitely replace the clutch slave, clutch and clutch disc.

If you're going to keep it say...another two years then buy a C7, I'd put a slave in it and while that's being done, pull the clutch. I'd stick a new clutch disc in it, but if the clutch looks good, I'd reuse it.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

Your key MUST be your engagement point, as a worn clutch will engage from half way to the top of travel.

If you are engaging 1-2 inches off the floor, a worn clutch is not the issue.

As long as the clutch fluid has been changed every 2 years with DOT 4 fluid, its most likely a binding slave cylinder.

HOWEVER, the key to this repair is making SURE that the clutch fingers are all level and one is not sitting higher than the others. This will create sideloading of the slave cylinder and a sticking clutch.

Accurate inspection is key so that you do NOT have to go back in for the same condition twice.

Allthebest, Paul

 

[Pm3]

Thanks for the advice Paul.