I have to continue to pump the clutch

STIMEY

MEMBER
1994 ISUZU RODEO
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
158,000 MILES

1994 isuzu rodeo with 158,000 miles. I had a new hydraulic clutch put in at 130,000 miles. Over the past few months, the fluid level in the master cylinder has dropped drastically. Recently, I have to continue to pump the clutch every 1.5 hours or so to maintain pressure. If I don't, within 2-3 hours, all the fluid will be drained out of the master and I have to fill it up and repump my clutch pedal for 10-15 min. Until I get pressure. What would be the cause for the fluid loss? I have also noticed a bad smell at highway speeds which I am assuming is the fluid burning off of the pressure plate. Thanks for you time in addressing this and any help would be greatly appreciated

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

More than likely you have a leaking slave cylinder. This will cause you to continue to pump the pedal as it will not build pressure and cause the clutch to slip. All this means you need to replace the clutch, pressure plate, slave, and bearings.

Here are a couple guides that will help with doing all this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clutch-doesnt-work-sometimes-or-not-at-all

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/pilot-bearing-replacement

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throw-out-bearing-replacement

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-clutch

I am attaching the info below from the manual on how to replace this.

Just because these components are replaced doesn't mean they are going to last a long time so if it were me, we need to inspect this stuff at the very least. You may be able to reuse some of the items but if they are worn, I would replace them again while you are there.

Let us know what you find with this.

Thanks

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