Clutch pedal is 'sticking'

[jgermany]

I have a strange problem occuring with my clutch pedal.

When I go to press it, it seems as though it's "stuck" at the very top. It doesn't take too much pressure to break it free, but it's bothering the hell out of me. Sometimes it's harder to break free than others. It does not seem to be effecting the clutch itself.

Again, it's only at the very top of the travel of the clutch pedal when I initially start to depress it, well before the clutch is actually engaging. I have a Clutchmasters FX300 clutch, but it was installed over a year ago and I've had no problems with it. The only thing that as changed recently at all was a diff and tranny fluid change, and some spirited driving with the group over the weekend.

Any thoughts? Do I need to take it to the shop?

[darkside]

I have a strange problem occuring with my clutch pedal.

When I go to press it, it seems as though it's "stuck" at the very top. It doesn't take too much pressure to break it free, but it's bothering the hell out of me. Sometimes it's harder to break free than others. It does not seem to be effecting the clutch itself.

Again, it's only at the very top of the travel of the clutch pedal when I initially start to depress it, well before the clutch is actually engaging. I have a Clutchmasters FX300 clutch, but it was installed over a year ago and I've had no problems with it. The only thing that as changed recently at all was a diff and tranny fluid change, and some spirited driving with the group over the weekend.

Any thoughts? Do I need to take it to the shop?

There is a number of topics that cover your problem on this site. Most likely you need to replace your slave or you somehow have got air in the system.

[jgermany]

I actually attempted a search before posting. IMO the searching capabilities of this forum leave a lot to be desired. Usually when I try to search for something on this site, I end up aggravated and with no information.

I'll try again. And suggested search keyword / forum combinations?

[repiv]

Being "stuck" like that in one specific location is more of a physical impediment. Something is binding.
In your case, you need to check a few things out. First confirm that you have adequate fluid in the reservoir. Don't mistake it for the brake fluid reservoir.
First, try to operate the clutch pedal by hand with your head in the footwell. Use a flashlight to see if there is anything in the way of the pedal making a full sweep. Anything misaligned and wedged in the way of any part of the pedal or rod?
Take a look at where the rod comes through the firewall at the clutch pedal. Does it look wet? If it does, the master cylinder is leaking and moisture may have scored the cylinder wall, making for that tightness you are experiencing. If it's leaking, a new one is needed.
Next, proceed by jacking the car up on the left side and pulling off the rubber boot from the slave cylinder where the rod meets up with the release fork end. It's like a "ball and socket" where the end of the slave cylinder rod (ball) mates up to the release fork end (socket). Sometimes, when a clutch job is done, that ball and socket is forgotten and isn't greased well. In time, moisture will cause corrosion and sedament to form in the mating surface. If this has happened, you need to clean and polish the ball and socket and grease it up again. You may require some sandpaper and elbow grease. Occasionally, the ball and socket will mate up funny due to deposits being formed. You can try pushing the rod back into the slave cylinder and feel it retracts smoothly. Also note any leaks (clutch fluid) in that area. If it shows signs of leakage or it doesn't slide in smoothly, a new one may be needed.
If none of the above applies to you, do a fluid change and bleed. This may be all you need.
Lastly and this one is the hardest to check. When doing a clutch job, the release bearing (throw out bearing) must be lubricated in a certain way before it goes into the car. Some mechanics overlook this or don't lube it properly. The hole down the middle of the bearing has a large groove inside which is supposed to be packed full of grease. Then the outer part of the bearing where the release fork fingers touch the bearing should have been greased too. Sometimes, that is overlooked. There is no way to check this without taking the tranny off. You can eliminate the other things first.

[jgermany]

Thanks so much for the insights. I'll leave work early tomorrow and start checking these things out one by one. I'll post my findings (or lack of findings if that turns out to be the case).

Can I use Super Blue DOT4 brake fluid for the clutch fluid if I end up changing it out?

Thanks again.

Jim

[repiv]

Can I use Super Blue DOT4 brake fluid for the clutch fluid if I end up changing it out?

Yes, DOT 3 or 4 will work. I've used Valvoline Synthetic DOT 4 in the past. Whatever works in our brakes will work in our clutch.