325i manual clutch iffy - needs 'pumping'

[Adil786]

Had a little problem with my clutch after driving the car around for about an hour in traffic...

i thought the clutch was knackered; my foot was all the way down but gears hard to select. After stalling it at some lights the only way I got it going again was to pump the clutch pedal a few times and it was as good as new again. No problems since then.

Is this a typical problem - and bottom line, how hard/expensive to fix?

Thanks

[jmc330i]

Either the clutch slave or master cylinder is probably on the way out - I cant remember which causes the pumping symptoms.
Keep checking the fluid level (top up if necessary) and if it goes down but theres no sign of a leak, its probably the master cylinder, if there is fluid under the car it will be the slave.

Both are about £30 each IIRC and are not overly difficult to replace, although getting the car off the ground will make it easier. A garage who know what they are doing shouldnt take too long to replace them if you cant do it yourself.

Either way, change both the slave and master at the same time. If you only change one, the other will fail within a month or two.

[Jhonno]

Master would cause the need to pump I think

[jon552]

might be worth bleeding it to start with then if that dosent help then start replaceing parts

jon

[hezicar]

Master cylinder.

[Adil786]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I will bleed it first then replace both the cylinders if no joy.

[Morat]

Mine started to do that, after replacing both cylinders it is fine