Clutch Problem

Tue May 01, 2012 6:50 pm

I seem to be having problems with my 325i clutch. When i press the clutch down half way it feels really soft almost as if there is no resistance. It feels fine the rest of the way.

I have checked the clutch reservoir and its empty.

It happened out of the blue this morning. What could be the problem?

Tue May 01, 2012 6:58 pm

It's leaking!
The fluid will be dripping from the lowest point of the bell housing, if the slave cylinder is at fault, or making a lovely mess under your front carpet on the driver's side if the master is at fault.
Either way, it's recommended you replace both at the same time.

Tue May 01, 2012 7:03 pm

I Just checked the carpet and there is no sign of any oil leaking. so it seems its the slave cylinder.

How hard is it to replace them both? or would it be just easier to take it down to the local garage.

Tue May 01, 2012 7:09 pm

Of course it would be easier to take it to the local garage - and a lot more expensive!
Neither are difficult to replace, although the master requires you to be a bit of a contortionist (taking the front seat out helps), and the slave requires access to the middle(ish) of the underside of the car.
Get the 'best quality' parts from Meatballs82 in the traders' forum.

Tue May 01, 2012 7:19 pm

Thanks. I might just give it a try over the weekend

Tue May 01, 2012 7:59 pm

slave cylinder is a piece of p iss to change mate, 2 nuts hold it to the box and obv the fluid line

Wed May 02, 2012 7:01 am

e30-dk wrote:slave cylinder is a piece of p iss to change mate, 2 nuts hold it to the box and obv the fluid line

It is if you've got access to a hydraulic lift !

On axle stands its not so much fun - you need a thin walled socket, and lots of extension bars ( a u/j on the socket can make it a bit eaiser ) to get the top nut off.

Master cylinder is also a pig to get at.
Make sure you soak the hard line fitting into the master cylinder with penetrating fluid before your try and undo it as if you round it off you're fooked.

Also worthwhile fitting a braided clutch flexi hose off ebay - less than £20 and will give much better pedal feel than the fooked rubber one thats been under the car for 20+ years

This is not a job I would want to do again in a hurry. Not particularly hard - just very fiddly and lying on your back under a car on axle stands getting oily dirt in your eyes is no fun.