Clutch Problems

Polaris Man · January 7, 2003

I just replaced the clutch on my 94 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4. Which has a hydraulic clutch. I have everything bolted back up and when I got in to push the clutch in, in went in once easy and then the second time it wouldnt go in at all, I havent started the truck yet, I dont know how you adjust hydraulic clutches or if you are supposed to do something special when you change them, please help.

bummed-n-Md · January 7, 2003

This may be out in left field, but when I changed the clutch in my '79 spitfire, I had to 'bleed the system' the same as you do brakes.

I experienced a very similar problem as you describe. Because I had not bleed the system, the first time I pushed the clutch pedel in, it caused the slave cylinder plunger to jump off of the 'fork' (an air bubblein the line? ). The plunger was now at full extension. When I released the pedal, and pressed it agian, it would not go down at all, (slave piston/plunger was already at full extension.).

I had to manually push the plunger/piston back in and re-position it on the fork. I then bleed the system and had no troubles for another 30K before I sold the car.

I know some of this sounds 'counter intuituve' (normally, air in hyd systme will cause a piston to not move), but this was my experience.

bummed.

January 7, 2003

Right!

It has to be bled, just like brakes. I've never had one jump out like bummed did, but I believe it could happen.

Two people, one to pump the clutch pedal and one to open the bleed screw when the pedal is pushed down. Keep an eye on your fluid. The clutch reservoir does not hold much fluid at all.

Polaris Man · January 8, 2003

That was my problem the cylinder was either not on the slave or it jumped off of it, that why the pedal wouldnt go in, the cylinder was already alll the way out. I got it back on, kind of a pain, then I bled the system. Worked fine. Would be nice if there was some adjustment to the system. Seems like there is a lot of freeplay in the pedal,( have to push down pretty far to disengage), but I guess thats the way a new clutch should be. Thanks Oh, and how are you supposed to drain the tranny oil when there isnt a drain plug, looked in the manual and mine doesnt have a drain plug like it shows.