uh oh, 2001 elantra clutch fluid

Discussion in 'Hyundai Elantra / Lantra' started by Andre, Sep 13, 2006.

  1. Andre

    Andre Guest

    Hi folks, got a question for anyone kind enough to help.

    2001 Elantra, 5speed. While driving, I noticed the clutch lost pressure.
    When I checked the reservoir, it was bone dry. (80k miles, I thought it was
    full, but it was the cap i saw inside, not fluid)

    I've refilled the res, and the clutch operates, but loses pressure, and
    needs to be pumped occasionally to regain full pressure. I've noticed no
    leaks at all at any of the fittings, no puddles, or telltale signs of leaks.
    I've put 20k miles on it since late January when I bought it (I'm a field
    service technician for an electronics co.) and it just started this problem
    today.

    I see what I think is a bleeder screw underneath my air box, but not
    terribly certain on how to bleed it if that is the problem. Has anyone had
    a similar problem, or does anyone know if something in the system has
    failed, even though I can't see any leaked fluid? (and I haven't been able
    to find a chilton's manual at my local parts stores)

    If I've left out any vital info, let me know and I'll respond asap.

    Thanks for any help.

    Andre
     
    Andre, Sep 13, 2006
    #1
  2. Andre

    hyundaitech Guest

    You've probably found the bleeder. It's on the release cylinder, which us
    under the air box bolted onto the transmission. The clutch system bleeds
    pretty much like a brake system: open the bleeder, depress the pedal,
    close the bleeder, pull the pedal up, and repeat. It's often difficult to
    get all the air out of a clutch system. If you have a vacuum pump you can
    attach to the bleeder instead of pumping, that'll probably give you the
    best results.
     
    hyundaitech, Sep 14, 2006
    #2
  3. Andre

    Andre Guest

    thanks hyundaitech,

    is it possible some component in the system has failed (no leaks spotted),
    or is it normal for the reservoir to be empty (80k miles) if it hasn't been
    closely monitored?
     
    Andre, Sep 14, 2006
    #3
  4. If you need to bleed the clutch but don't have anyone to assist you, cut
    a piece of wood long enough to wedge between the driver's seat and the
    depressed clutch pedal and use it to hold the pedal down while you close
    the bleeder.
     
    Brian Nystrom, Sep 14, 2006
    #4
  5. Andre

    irwell Guest

    Take it to a competent mechanic, I had a clutch cylinder
    fail on a car several years ago, was stuck in 2nd gear, no reverse
    or any other gear. Managed to get rolling and slowly drive to a
    repair shop.
     
    irwell, Sep 14, 2006
    #5
  6. Andre

    hyundaitech Guest

    No, the fluid shouldn't be low unless you have a leak. Pull back the boot
    on the release cylinder and check for fluid there. Also look behind your
    dash to see if any is coming out of the clutch master cylinder.
     
    hyundaitech, Sep 14, 2006
    #6
  7. Andre

    Andre Guest

    okay, I did locate the problem.....it's definitely the master cylinder.
    It's got fluid on the inside behind the dash just as you described.

    I have the part on order, next question-

    when I change the master cylinder is there anything I need to watch out for,
    i.e. sensitive adjustments, or is it a pretty straightforward part swap
    (aside from bleeding the system, which i know is necessary.)

    again....thanks for everyone's help. hopefully someday I can repay the
    favor.

    andre
     
    Andre, Sep 15, 2006
    #7
  8. Andre

    Mike Marlow Guest

    Bench bleed the master cylinder before putting it in the car. The new one
    should come with instructions on how to do this.
     
    Mike Marlow, Sep 16, 2006
    #8
  9. Andre

    hyundaitech Guest

    You'll need to adjust the pedal free play. Basically, what you're looking
    for is that the pedal moves in and out slightly before activating the
    master cylinder. Use the pedal free play before you remove the old part
    as a guide as to how you should adjust the new cylinder.
     
    hyundaitech, Sep 18, 2006
    #9
  10. Andre

    Andre Guest

    Just wanted to take a minute to thank those who helped out.

    Did the repair a couple weekends ago, from the moment I popped the hood,
    till I finished bleeding the system and tested it's operation, (and adjusted
    the free play 'til it felt just like the old one) it was under an hour.

    much appreciated,

    Andre
     
    Andre, Oct 5, 2006
    #10
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