Hey all, I have a quick question: my clutch is engaging fine, the pressure feels about the same as usual, but it has a 1-2" travel before I can start feeling the pressure, which by the way has always been there since I got the car with 9k miles, and most people say it's normal. Now, reading these forums is like going to the doctor, once you read the symptoms then you think your car has them all, so I decided to check my clutch fluid level and noticed that it has gone down to below the MIN mark. I've never changed the clutch fluid on this car and it's got 37k on the clock. The question is, assuming no air in the lines, can I top it up with new fresh fluid to the right level on the reservoir, or should I flush it out and put new fluid in? The one in there is not looking too dark, and like I said, functionality is similar to that of day 1 since I got the car, but maybe it was low back then to begin with and I may be missing out on something. Anyhow, thank you all for your time!

Etien.

 

You'll probably get varying opinions on this. Here's mine:

It may feel the same, but something has caused your clutch fluid to leak out. With 37K on the clock, I'd flush it. You could top it to buy you time 'till you can get to it, but I wouldn't just top it off and leave it.

 

Might as well change it out.

 

just it out. maybe just change the slave line too while you are at it to a steel braided line just for more peace of mind

 

At the point you are opening a can of brake fluid, you might as well flush it since the brake fluid has a shelf life once you expose it to air...water starts to get absorbed degrading it's performance benefits.

 

Nice, thanks guys...I will flush it out and replace it with fresh new fluid, after all, my car deserves it!

 

Your car also deserves to have the master & slave cylinder checked for leaks.
Clutch fluid doesn't evaporate and the level should not drop.

 

thank you SpitFireS....will definitely do! Any threads on how to do this? Not the fluid flush but the checking of the master/slave cylinders?

 

I would have to search too for the threads.... I'm sure there are many.
There were a couple the last month about bleeding.

To check the master I would look inside the car, where the clutch pedal is connected to the master.
Also check behind the carpet, (good advise from Billman ) fluid may have seeped down.
Clutch/brake fluid is bad for the paint.
At the engine side of the firewall you could check the connections.

To check the slave you'll have to get underneath the car.
Make sure you use axle stands and work safe!
The slave is bolted on to the gearbox (drivers side for left hand drive).
Look for "greasy" rubber boots.
Check the flex hose for connections.

Succes.

 

hey thank you guys! I wanna see if I can get to it this weekend, if not then next week latest...