Clutch problem? (joint, brake, front wheel drive, Chevrolet)

[Brian.Pearson]

I have a feeling the clutch is a bit off. It seems to me, I've never had to completely press the clutch pedal down when changing gears, but that is changing. Also a few days ago, the pedal was stuck -- a little tap by my foot freed it, but I'm concerned.

If I have a problem, here, I sincerely hope it just needs an adjustment. I had read a couple of articles about clutches, and one thing they suggested was to find out what caused it. Whether it's a behavioral thing on my part or something else, I need to know. One guy said that if I take it to a shop, the guy could dive into it, erasing clues which could point to the problem.

Any thoughts? Oh, BTW, it's not making any noises.

[cdelena]

There are many different types of clutches and clutch linkage... without more details all you can get here are guesses than may not even apply. Drop in on a reputable mechanic with the vehicle and discuss it.

[sunsprit]

It would really help to know the year/make/model and equipment on a vehicle to diagnose it.

There's so many possibilities with hydraulic or mechanical linkages to the clutch, and some cars have a history of a typical failure in the making.

[kbg]

sounds like syncronizer troubles? and added shift fork damage? does it take gear easily whether the clutch is only partly depressed? or is it chewy at any range in any gear?

[wankel7]

I would say it is a good idea to press the pedal to the floor all the way every shift every time.

If the clutch is hydraulic I would make sure the reservoir is topped off (it should take dot3 or dot4 brake fluid). Also, look for leaks at the master cylinder where the reservoir is. And then trace the rubber house to the slave cylinder and see if there is leakage.

[GracieJJ]

My guess is you have a clutch cable problem, if it happens to be mechanical type.

[joee]

clutch tension pressure plate maybe

[usafracer]

Ones again Need year Make and model to even know where to start. I can tell you that your problem is more than likely not the trans. its self. No bent forks no damaged syncros.

I would say that if it is Hydrolic then you have a leak in either the slave cyl. of the clutch master cyl. On most hudrolic systems there is little or no adjustment.

If you have a cable or mechanical system ther could be any number of problems from a bur on a cable to a worn joint on a lever.

I will be able to give you a better idea where to look once I know what kind of vehicle you drive.

[Brian.Pearson]

Originally Posted by sunsprit

It would really help to know the year/make/model and equipment on a vehicle to diagnose it.

There's so many possibilities with hydraulic or mechanical linkages to the clutch, and some cars have a history of a typical failure in the making.

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, front wheel drive

[Brian.Pearson]

I'll have to drive it a bit more to answer some of these questions. Maybe I'll go ahead and check the brake fluid. I may not be back until tonight.