Clutch Woes

[Brian]

OK, I have a 2007 Hyundai Elantra 5 speed, 60K miles, original owner – me, and I drive like an old man. For the last few weeks it has been getting harder to put into gear – have to push the clutch more to the floor and get a light grinding noise when it goes in.

Clutch fluid level normal, no fluid noted from either the master or slave cylinders. No fluid leaking into the cabin from the master cylinder. Peeling back the boot on the slave cylinder, dry as a bone.

I can easily put it into gear with the car off, and it does not get any better when the car is on if I pump the clutch. No slipping of the clutch has been noted, and I can easily kill the motor if I let up on the clutch in any gear while parked.

I think that is all I can explain. What I am curious about, does this sound like it is time for a new clutch?

Thanks!!

–Brian

Topic

[johnzcarz]

Sounds to me like the clutch slave cylinder travel is not enough to disengage the clutch. What I would do is have someone push the clutch pedal while you watch when the slave starts to move. If you have to move the pedal quite a way to get the slave to move then that’s the problem.

If it’s easy to bleed you may want to just give that a shot.

I don’t think it’s a bad clutch – if you can stall it by releasing the clutch then it should be OK.

[Brian]

Thanks for the quick response!

I forgot to mention that I did bleed the clutch, no change and no air noted while bleeding.

Is it possible for the master or slave to go bad with no fluid leakage?

I looked at the fork while someone pressed the clutch – it moved but I dont know how much is normal.

I might just replace the master/slave – they are relatively inexpensive and easier than replacing the clutch!

Thanks!

[college man]

+++1 on the above. Sounds like the slave may not
be fully engaging.

[johnzcarz]

Yes, it is possible for the clutch master cylinder to go bad and not leak – basically what can happen is fluid leaks past the piston cup but it just goes back into the reservoir. That’s not the case for the slave though.

The slave should start moving as soon as the other person starts pushing on the pedal. Is there any play at all down at the release fork? Any bulges in the hoses?

[Brian]

No-go on the master and slave cylinders. Replaced them both, no change. I took the old ones apart for fun, and they looked great. No wear, no leakage.

There is one item that I cant figure out – the ‘clutch regulator assembly’. It looks like a little diaphram-type thingy. It is between the master and slave cylinders. See here (part #41690):
http://www.jimellishyundaiparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=413265&ukey_make=1033&modelYear=2007&ukey_model=14681

The Hyundai dealer (parts guy and tech) that I bought the cylinders from had no idea what this was. It lists for $140 so I am a bit reluctant to just by it outright.

Anyone know what this is? Could this be the issue?

Thanks!!!

[Brian]

Pic of the Clutch Regulator Assembly. I can easily blow air in/out either port.

Attachments:

• clutch1.jpg
• clutch2.jpg

[Brian]

I forgot to reply to John – yes, there is movement at the fork, ~ 1 inch. Looks like it should travel more than that. No bulging hoses.

Thanks for any insights!!

[dollman0]

My thoughts on this:
Perhaps the clutch disc is worn enough that the clutch spring diaphragm has moved away from the release bearing limiting the stroke of the slave piston. The clutch fork could also be worn on the rocker ball and the pads under the bearing. Before hydraulic clutches were around, it was common to adjust a low pedal due to wear.

I think that valve is some type of accumulator to dampen the release of the clutch and don’t think that is your problem. If you think the valve is the problem, you can build a temporary line to go around that valve to see if it will shift properly. Just a suggestion.

[Bill]

I think the diaphram in the pressure plate is broken and not releasing.

[college man]

The clutch regulator is what the name implies.
To regulate flow/pressure. does the knob on the
regulator adjust? mark where it was and turn it a
turn.see if it gets better.

[johnzcarz]

[quote=”dollman0″ post=64384]My thoughts on this:
Perhaps the clutch disc is worn enough that the clutch spring diaphragm has moved away from the release bearing limiting the stroke of the slave piston. The clutch fork could also be worn on the rocker ball and the pads under the bearing. Before hydraulic clutches were around, it was common to adjust a low pedal due to wear.

I think that valve is some type of accumulator to dampen the release of the clutch and don’t think that is your problem. If you think the valve is the problem, you can build a temporary line to go around that valve to see if it will shift properly. Just a suggestion.[/quote]

When I saw pictures of that valve i thought the same thing, should be pretty easy to bypass it.

[Brian]

Bill wins the doughnut! Pressure plate bad, will have the replacement in on Tuesday.

Thanks again for all the help!!

[college man]

Dam I never get the doughnut. 🙁 Great job Wysetech 🙂
keep us posted on your progress.

[johnzcarz]

Nice job Wysetech!

[Bill]

Just make sure it’s a jelly dougnut. LoL I appreciate the comments. I just have seen it happen before.

[Author]

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