fadeaway

Ok, here's the deal.

Four weeks ago, I purchased a used 1999 Max SE 5sp, with 128k miles on it, still original clutch. The first day I got the car, I drove around a lot in it, and probabaly abused the clutch a little considering it was my first day learning manual. The hydraulics that works the clutch died while I was on the road (clutch pedal all the way in, stuck). A family friend (mechanic) fixed it for us though, and I came to a conclusion the problem was fixed by "bleeding" the cluth.

So everything seems fine for about 3-4 weeks until 2 days ago (I was driving around a lot that day, using the clutch a lot,possible overusing it), and I could feel some extra pressure needed to put in the clutch. Well, the feeling is kind of hard to explain, it's like some weird force when you try to engage the clutch. I get scared, and pull over immediately. I turn off & start engine again, and continue to drive, the clutch seems normal again. Yesterday, I made sure there was a sufficient amount of brake fluid in the clutch compartment under the hood, it was already about half way full, but I filled it up some more. I didn't drive yesterday at all, and today I took the car out (scared that the clutch pedal would die on me again), and 2 times in which I engaged the clutch (from my entire test run; I probably engaged it 20-30 times or so), I could feel some extra "pressure", or that weird sensation when engaging (does anyone know what I mean???...).

This isn't a matter of clutch (brake) fluid is it? I also noticed the shifting was a bit smoother around all the gears today.

If I get a new clutch, will this problem be fixed? I'm scared of driving my max now..

Thanks,
Dan

Pappa Grande

Hard to tell from your description, but keep a close eye on your clutch fluid. You may have a leak somewhere in your clutch system. Could be master or slave cylinder. Could also be one of the clutch lines. If your noticing that the clutch fluid is going down, one of the three is your problem and changing the clutch will not help (if a leak is your problem).

fadeaway

Thanks for the info. Anyone else can come up with anything? Is it safe to drive?