16 replies to this topic

[Fossy313]

Hello guys

Here we go again just after I thought I was getting on top of the mini after he steering rack and all the other problems

Was driving home
Last night and the clutch pedal seemed really light, you know when you put your foot down and just think that's not right... Anyway got home and my misses has to move the car to put the mini in the garage, and I was pressing the clutch and it just felt really light as in my foot was on the floor and You should feel resistance and the car wouldn't get into gear, got it in after pumping the clutch drive into garage and the clutch seemed to be ok I sat there for a few seconds and pumped the clutch and it was working fine (late home from work was a bit tired)

Anyway came to work this morning and as soon as I got in the mini the clutch just felt light, got to a t junction and I couldn't get it into gear, finally did and parked up at work. Engine running and it's as if the clutch just started working again drive round the car park completely fine and she went into gear,

I'm a bit worried about driving her home and she's my daily drive AND I'm moving on Tuesday, what the hell do I sart looking for? In half tempted just to put it in a garage but I'm a bit short on cash with the move and I need it back on the road ASAP, I also leave early for work (04.30) and I can't afford to break down... Airport fireman and if I dont make it they can't open the runway etc etc... HELP!

Edited by Fossy313, 11 May 2014 - 06:09 AM.

[jamesmpi]

Sounds like a leak somewhere. Can you get someone the press the clutch whilst you check the slave cylinder is moving in and out?

[Fossy313]

I'll have to try with the misses later, I'm not that clued up on clutches to be honest, the slave cylinder is below the clutch master cylinder where you top up the fluid I take it??

I take it it's airbox off jobby and have a look, what exactly am I looking for?

[jamesmpi]

Because you say that you have a soft or as some people describe it, a spongy clutch pedal I very much doubt that your clutch pack is faulty, especially as when you do have a firm pedal, you are still able to change gear and there is no crunching of gears etc

Therefore I can only assume that air is getting into the clutch lines

Have a read here page 179 on wards. This will give you a better idea of the main components.

http://www.theminifo...attach_id=68239

The clutch slave sits on top of the clutch bell housing. You should see the plunger moving out when the pedal is pressed. The seals on the slave can perish allowing air in
Hopefully you won't needs to strip everything g out the way to see it as this document is for how to repair it. You only need to see if it's working

[jamesmpi]

Also take the cap off the master cylinder and check the level of your clutch fluid. Not too low is it?

[Gadgets]

It could be that the flexi hose that goes into the slave cylinder ontop of clutch has gone soft and expanding when you pedal down rather than forcing the ram out.  If so it's a simple fix to repalce the hose (they do go)  I would also fit new Slave clinder seals whilst doing it. (Not expensive or to bad to repair if that is what it is) Good luck.

 

Edited by Gadgets, 11 May 2014 - 07:23 AM.

[Fossy313]

Few things to look at guys, thanks once again I shall let you know on my findings!

[Fossy313]

What is to low for clutch fluid? As from what I remember there is no level?

[jamesmpi]

I was always told by my dad that the level should sit just below the neck of the master cylinder cap. You don't want to brim it or the fluid will be forced out when you screw it up....and you don't want that on your paint work!

Good suggestion about the rubber pipe ballooning. That could also effect it

[Fossy313]

ok guys, im back from work in an hour so as long as i get it home (a mile or so) ill be able to have a good look, bleed them and hopefully be able to sort it out

[Fossy313]

Guys all done and dusted (I hope)

The clutch fluid was quite low, and I have just bled them with new fluid...all done just took it for a spin and instantly much harder clutch pedal with aid from the misses

Unfortunatly I have had so much go wrong with the mini I automatically think of the worst,

I shall keep an eye on it but I think that has done it, all slave cylinder underneath dash where clutch pedal goes into is completely dry, and no sign of leakage anywhere...so hopefully the low level has just drawn air in

Thanks for the quick replies...crisis averted!

[jamesmpi]

instantly much harder clutch pedal with aid from the misses

So glad you added the words "clutch pedal" in that sentence lol

Glad to have helped. Keep an eye on the level. If it drops quickly then you know there are problems else where

[Fossy313]

Hahaha, really should double check what I'm writing :), annnnyyyywwwaaayyy, cheers I will keep checking it, Unfortunatly it's put me a bit to shame I'm normally on top of my fluid checking but the clutch has caught me out this time, Unfortunately I forget about it because it's under the airbox on the mpi and I just forget its there.

[Fossy313]

guys, i just wanted to update this as my car got stuck in gear today and the clutch went again.

 

found out now the slave is leaking, which hopefully now solves the problem. I must admit i dont normally let the clutch fluid get low so i am glad i have found the underlying problem afterall.

[brivinci]

A small suggestion for you for the future. I installed plastic extension that goes between the master and the cap. It lets you fill more fluid in but also lets you actually see the fluid level VERY easily. Even makes filling the fluid easier.

 

Like this one.

http://www.ebay.co.u...e-/170918637004