so, the other day i noticed the gears were sometimes a bit notchy. i was having to put the clutch right down to the floor. i figured i may need some more clutch fluid.
just tried it today. the clutch fluid is on the max line. it looks a weird colour though. is dot 3 supposed to be orangey? anyway can’t get it in gear, at least when engine running.
the pedal is a lot more loose than usual, easier to press down. its like there’s no resistance on it. when engine not running, goes straight into gear.
it’s possible the fluid is very very old. so does that stuff ever go off and needs replacing? otherwise does it mean my clutch has gone. what am i looking at to get it replaced?
First off I would say change the fluid, brake and clutch share the same reservoir but check you don’t have a leak somewhere, clutch slave possibly?
You can of course adjust the pedal a small amount to get that bite point a little of the floor, a good few have done it too improve the change.
wah! thanks for reply.
i checked on the top of the clutch reservoir cover and it has ‘use only dot3’.
and it isn’t just written on in pen or on a sticker.
its part of the cover / lid that you screw off, like the buttons on an atm, its raised print.
i dont think its leak cos the level is on max and hasnt moved.
its over 120,000
Yeah probably higher mileage could be worn clutch.
You need someone to check it over for clutch wear and or a fluid change. The fluid shouldn’t look dark, more like a light oil colour rather than dark or orangy colour.
even though its a mk1 (1993) import from japan?. i’d hate to put the wrong one in.
as for wear, wouldn’t i have noticed it more if it was gradually going?
like at least a few times i would have noticed a difference.
this was like one day last time i drove it that i noticed some difference.
now gone completely.
the fluid is very dark orangey.
thanks again
DOT 3 has been superceded by (better performing) DOT4 and the two are completely compatible. I’d guess you’d struggle to find DOT 3 on sale nowadays. Difficult to describe the colour but I’d expect new brake fluid (either DOT3 or 4) to be almost clear with a slight hint of brown/orange. If it looks dark, it’s part its best. 120,000 miles? Could be anything from a worn clutch to clutch master or slave cylinder problems.
JS
As it is a Mk1, I would suggest that you check the rubber cover around the clutch slave cylinder. If ithere is any clutch fluid there then that is your problem. Replace the clutch slave cylinder. This will drain out the old clutch fluid, so you will also replace the clutch fluid. As above DOT 4 is OK.
N.
thanks to all replies! each one helpful.
had the AA come look at it. drained the fluid and filled up again.
working again, but slave cylinder may need closer lookin at.
yep, it is dot4.
and when i was yakkin about the orangey fluid on max level, i was lookin at the brake fluid.
That needs to be replaced as well then.
As has been said, it should be straw coloured.
If it’s dark, it’s contaminated and will have absorbed water.
Not good.
