Weird Clutch Lost pressure out of blue

[bluecollarjock]

1998 4runner 4x4 with 160k miles. Newer clutch, not exactly sure the mileage.

Last weekend drove it all weekend, totally normal. Parked it Sunday night, had to move it just now for street parking tomorrow, and I started it up and right away seemed like the darn clutch was only an inch from the floor....felt weird but I started it and then it took a lot to squeeze it into first gear, and then into reverse to park it again...what the heck, thing was normal and driving perfect, park it for 3 days and then go to start it and lost most of the clutch pressure and barely can get it into gear?! What could have happened just sitting there?

I have AAA so free towing, should I just tow it to shop or limp it there tomorrow or Friday?

Thanks for any input....Im hoping this isnt going to cost a ton....yikes....

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Put it in neutral and trying pumping it up. You might need to slide your foot under the pedal to pull it up. See if it builds any pressure. If it does, either a bad clutch master cylinder ($65 at RockAuto) or a bad slave cylinder ($25 at RockAuto.) good idea to replace both at the same time.

If it doesn't, check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder resevoir. It's on the fire wall right where the clutch pokes through the firewall. (clutch pedal is actually connected to it. If it's really low or even empty, look for evidence of a leak on the ground where you were parked.

Either way, it's nothing too bad.

 

[IanB]

I had this happen on my 1st car, it ended up being low clutch fluid in the reservoir, allowed air into the system. Bled the clutch, topped it up, and never gave me an issue again.

 

[bluecollarjock]

thanks guys!!

 

[JohnsD90]

I had this happen on my 1st car, it ended up being low clutch fluid in the reservoir, allowed air into the system. Bled the clutch, topped it up, and never gave me an issue again.

There is usually a reason why the clutch fluid is low though...

 

[IanB]

There is usually a reason why the clutch fluid is low though...

Looking back at it now, I fully agree with you. This was about 13 years ago now, and I didn't know much about cars at that time. My uncle helped me diagnose and fix it, and it was fine again until I traded the car off a few years later.:shrug:

 

[bluecollarjock]

Guys as you suggested I pulled the clutch back up with my foot, and instantly had full pressure again?!?!? Gonna drive it to shop today or tomorrow to get it checked as I have long commutes starting soon and would rather fix it now whatever it is.

Darn, was gonna have the CV axles rebuilt and splurge on an ARB bumper....now this! hah

 

[Shibby!]

Check for leaks and fluid level.

Two easy steps that might save you 100's. Would take 5 minutes.

 

[bluecollarjock]

Thankfully the shop I take it to the father son owners are wheelers, Jeep guys, and gun guys (rare in LA). So being Im a gun guy, Jeep guy, and 4x4 guy they take care of me and dont try to rip me off. ive had them check out things before they do for no charge, and times Ive even had repairs they let slide and didnt charge me. So I need an oil change any my CV boots replaced, might as well let them see why the clutch lost pressure. If its simple they wont hose me. Good guys, anyone in the South Bay of LA that needs a small town feel, reliable, honest shop Ocean Tire in Hermosa is a great place with great people.

 

[bluecollarjock]

Crazy, my buddy went through everything...cant find any clutch leaks or issues with master or slave clyinder...

Weird the pedal was almost to floor after a 3 day sitting...driving prior was me driving a day in the hot desert home from a retreat before parking...

All I did was pull the clutch back up towards me as one of you suggested, and viola it was full pressure again worked like new

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Change the clutch master and slave. One is on it's way out. It'll happen again.

 

[Brutus]

Change the clutch master and slave. One is on it's way out. It'll happen again.

I agree. IMO, it's the slave cylinder.

 

[bluecollarjock]

Ok, Ill get pricing from him on it. He just called and said no leaks, fluid levels fine, fluid looks good, and Im not sure what he means by checked but he checked everything for leaks and found nothing.

He is keeping it until Monday as I asked him to get pricing for rebuilding the front axleshafts. My boots have been broken since i bought it a year ago and just havent got them taken care of knowing I wasnt gonna wheel it and only my Jeep until they were sealed up and if needed rebuilt. Ive read on this forum better to rebuild my stock toyota axleshafts than get cheap replacements? Sound right? So he is calling monday to ask how much it is to rebuild mine from his axle guy. Ill ask him pricing on the clutch too.

 

[dirka dave]

I have the same problem with mine.

Going to change the master cyl.

Hopfilly it solves it.