Clutch fluid gone

by **sifpilsen** » Tue, 06 Mar 2012 8:52 +0000

On Sunday I went for a little ride over to Ballyvourney for some airsoft. On the way home, the clutch failed me a couple of times. It went out of gear, but not back in to any gear. Leaving it in free, releasing the clutch and then reapplying pressure worked most times.

Today, the clutch failed again. This time the clutch pedal had no pressure at all. Luckily in my driveway, so I walked to work.

Now, after some searching I found this: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2403 and some external sources telling that the slave and/or master clutch cylinder or seals may be gone.

To fix this, I am planning to take it to Mazda over in Midleton(not the best mechanic myself). To make it over there, should I just fill up with clutch fluid? It is a 30 minute drive to get there. I take since the pressure is all gone, the fluid is probably one under the minimum and the cylinders may have started to corrode due to the exposure of air. Any advise?

by **leamyj** » Wed, 07 Mar 2012 2:02 +0000

Seriously, if you can HOLD a spanner, you'll be able to fix this. Where are you located?? Maybe there's a member with knowledge nearby!!

John

by **sidewaysreilly** » Wed, 07 Mar 2012 2:13 +0000

a knowledgeable member eh????? :wink:

by **mx5ash** » Wed, 07 Mar 2012 2:58 +0000

Cork area if he's going to Middleton. Tis an easy fix alright but a top up will get you going if there isn't to much air in lines

by **sifpilsen** » Wed, 07 Mar 2012 5:12 +0000

Ok, I'll try tomorrow to add some fluid, and see if I can get it going. If I only manage to get it to 4th or 5th gear, I just need to keep it going

How much clutch/brake fluid do I need? 1 or 2 bottles?

by **mx5ash** » Wed, 07 Mar 2012 5:41 +0000

1 would do ya I'd say

by **sifpilsen** » Wed, 07 Mar 2012 6:05 +0000

Thanks for that, I will dig out my mx-5 Haynes manual next time I am back in Norway. It kinda never went over here with me. Just as a background, I have swapped softtop, fitted H&K conefilters and such, but brakes and clutch is still a bit of a grey area for me.

by **sifpilsen** » Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:47 +0000

Topped up with brake fluid. Did go to Midleton, no issues at all. Went to McDonalds Drive-In and back to Cork. Not had any further issues.

Added a brake/clutch fluid in plastic bag, plastic gloves to the ready-kit in the car in case it should loose more fluid over time.

By the way, for bleeding the clutch, where is the slave cylinder located on a right hand drive car? Anyone have a picture by any chance?

by **leamyj** » Fri, 09 Mar 2012 1:16 +0000

Remove the front right wheel, you should be able to see the cylinder from there..just follow the lines from the fluid reservoir if you're not sure :wink:

by **decoy** » Sat, 10 Mar 2012 5:26 +0000

that reminds me i think by cylinder is knackered.. or leaking heavily at the least