Boiling Clutch Fluid
04-25-2016, 05:26 AM
#1
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Boiling Clutch Fluid
Hi all.
Not sure if this is something experienced by others but I've now had the same issue on two different cars whereby the clutch would become "crunchy" after a spirited drive and gets worse over time.
The first instance on my old 2003 happened after a good 10-12 mile blast through some open countryside in the Summer. After realizing the pedal wasn't happy, I backed off to let the car cool down and all was fine, but would then go crunchy again in the weeks and months that passed by. The clutch eventually let go and was replaced, but then experienced the same issue after just one lap of the ring.
This model, 2004, has the same issue. I recently went on a trip to Scotland and started feeling the same crunchy feel on day 3 (of 5) after a good run for 20 mins or so. Again, backed off and has been fine ever since, apart from a few times when setting off in traffic.
It only appears to be when you're shifting between gears and doesn't happen if you're stationary in neutral. You can pump the pedal as much as you like and it's silky smooth, but the minute you select a gear it becomes squeaky.
I understand the manifold is close to the bell housing but would this cause the fluid to boil or become contaminated? Would replacing the fluid cure the issue?
Quite frustrating.
Not sure if this is something experienced by others but I've now had the same issue on two different cars whereby the clutch would become "crunchy" after a spirited drive and gets worse over time.
The first instance on my old 2003 happened after a good 10-12 mile blast through some open countryside in the Summer. After realizing the pedal wasn't happy, I backed off to let the car cool down and all was fine, but would then go crunchy again in the weeks and months that passed by. The clutch eventually let go and was replaced, but then experienced the same issue after just one lap of the ring.
This model, 2004, has the same issue. I recently went on a trip to Scotland and started feeling the same crunchy feel on day 3 (of 5) after a good run for 20 mins or so. Again, backed off and has been fine ever since, apart from a few times when setting off in traffic.
It only appears to be when you're shifting between gears and doesn't happen if you're stationary in neutral. You can pump the pedal as much as you like and it's silky smooth, but the minute you select a gear it becomes squeaky.
I understand the manifold is close to the bell housing but would this cause the fluid to boil or become contaminated? Would replacing the fluid cure the issue?
Quite frustrating.
04-25-2016, 06:48 AM
#2
Well for starters; when was the last time the clutch fluid was changed? You can hazard a good guess by looking in the reservoir - if you can see gunk in there then its a good indication it hasnt been done for a while 
04-25-2016, 07:44 AM
#3
Registered User
Bit of an odd one you've got there. Like Trunkz said, if you've not got reasonably fresh fluid in there, give it a change and see how it goes. I've done several trackdays in mine, including some really hot days and never had a problem with mine.
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