Clutch fails to work - will not disengage

Tiny
IRONLOVER
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 SATURN SC1
  • 100,000 MILES
1999 Saturn, there is not model designation but the base cheapest model, 1.9 engine and 5 speed manual. Without any previous symptoms of clutch problems the clutch fails to work - will not disengage. It feels like the clutch pedal is not attached to anything. When the clutch pedal is pumped there is no movement of the clutch actuating mechanism on the clutch housing. What is the problem?
Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 8:09 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Check to see if anything is broken. Look at the pedal to see if the actuator arm has come loose. Yours is a hydraulic clutch. Make sure there is fluid in the system and that the neither the master nor slave are leaking.
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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
IRONLOVER
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
There is fluid in clutch reservoir, the clutch pedal arm is connected to the rod that seems to push into what could be the clutch master cylinder. Do the clutch master cylinders go bad? Or what else could be happening?
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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Yes, they can go bad. Raise and support one side of the vehicle. Have a helper pump the clutch pedal as you observe the slave cylinder. See if there are any leaks or if the rod is being moved. If not, loosed the fitting at the slave cylinder and have the helper press AND HOLD the clutch pedal. You should see fluid come out. If not, the clutch master is most likely bad. If so, the slave. If you get not fluid, have the holder keep the pedal down and tighten the fitting. Slide out and repeat the process at the master. Check the hoses and lines for kinks and extreme bends that can cause obstructions.
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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 11:14 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one you need to replaced the clutch master/slave as a sealed unit that is your best bet for repair. Dont buy the clutch master and or slave seperate just get the complete sealed unit.I have replaced tons of these over my years and years working at saturn.
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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 11:15 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
I was wondering when he would pop in and give his expert advice. Thanks saturntech. Much obliged.
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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 11:24 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your welcome and remember iam always watching lol.
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Saturday, December 10th, 2011 AT 11:34 PM
Tiny
IRONLOVER
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It looks like it is necessary to move the battery and airfilter to get at the slave cylinder, is that the case?
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Sunday, December 11th, 2011 AT 2:00 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
The easiest way is to remove the battery battery tray and air filter box to replace it.
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Sunday, December 11th, 2011 AT 2:21 AM
Tiny
IRONLOVER
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Can you give me some tips on sourceing this part, the master cylinder- slave cylinder assembly?
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Monday, December 12th, 2011 AT 2:07 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Give www. Rockauto. Com a try let me know what you find.
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Monday, December 12th, 2011 AT 2:25 AM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Autozone, Pep Boys, Advanced Auto Parts, O'Reilly's, Napa, Carquest. Those will be the lowest priced.
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Monday, December 12th, 2011 AT 3:06 AM

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