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Clutch Trouble

2500HD4X

By 2500HD4X
in Ask A GM Technician

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2500HD4X Enthusiast

2500HD4X

Posted
Posted

Hello GM-Tech-

 

VEHICLE: 2001 Chevy Silverado w/4.3L engine, 5 Speed transmission. 56,000 miles.

 

PROBLEM: There is literally no travel on the pedal before the clutch engages. It comes up about 1/2-3/4" before the clutch engages fully (neck snapping/stalling especially in first and reverse).

 

The master cylinder is not loosing fluid and there are no obvious leaks. It has been bled several times since this has been happening. It has been getting progressively worse but it still drives fine as long as you expect it and make sure you get the pedal all the way to the floor before shifting. The clutch will stall the vehicle so it doesn't seem to be slipping. Pumping up the pedal has no effect. I am thinking the slave cylinder maybe?-but if you have any insight or suggestions it would be much appreciated sir.

 

Thanks-

Lee

GM-Tech Senior Enthusiast

GM-Tech

Posted
Posted

There's not a lot of travel with the hydraulic clutch systems, so it doesn't take much to cause what you describe. Yeah, it could be the slave. May also be the clutch master or even the pressure plate.

 

Even though there's no external fluid loss, fluid could be bypassing around seals internally so you're not getting full stroke. Just like a brake pedal can go almost to the floor but there's really no fluid loss, just ineffective sealing within the master cylinder.

 

There's really not a lot of diagnosis that can be done with that setup with the type of slave it uses. In the "old days" one could measure the travel of the pushrod coming out of the slave when you stepped on the clutch and if it traveled the right distance but you still had low engagement, you at least knew it wasn't hydraulic.

2500HD4X Enthusiast

2500HD4X

Posted
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Posted

Dang- thanks for the quick response. It is my dad's truck, I messed with it some over the past weekend and tried bleeding it and looked for leaks, but no luck. I was hoping maybe there was a trick to it. I'll start with the slave and go from there. Hopefully the slave cylinder will cure it, so I don't have to unbolt the tranny to check things out- I haven't messed with a clutch since I sold my last Jeep. Thanks again-Its much appreciated! :)

GM-Tech Senior Enthusiast

GM-Tech

Posted
Posted
Hopefully the slave cylinder will cure it, so I don't have to unbolt the tranny to check things out

 

I'm guessing you don't know you have to pull the tranny to replace the slave. :)

2500HD4X Enthusiast

2500HD4X

Posted
  • Author
Posted

UH OH!!! Man, that stinks. Well, I will get into it this little project next weekend- I have to swap out trucks with Dad for a few days. Luckily I have a spare truck for parts runs/getting around. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the info!

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