Technical Sticking clutch pedal

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Technical Sticking clutch pedal

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Sep 27, 2011
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Location
Telford, \Shropshire
Anyone have any suggestions why the clutch pedal on my wifes 500 Multijet fails to spring back up occasionally? A quick dab will usually release it again but I don't know if it's likely to get worse over time.
 
You need a pair of master and slave cylinders.

They are plastic. Unlike metal cylinders, that leak when they wear, the plastic ones seem to get 'sticky', so the pedal stays down. This can happen due to wear in either cylinder, but they are both worn the same, so a pair is best. Quite easy to fit. Lots of threads if you wish to search.
 
There's a solid link between the master and the pedal via a ball joint.
You have tried a bit release oil on the pedal pivots first?
If it turns out to be the master they're not cheap(one of the few parts that's not) the slave is reasonable but shop around and make sure the slave has the pipe attached some I've seen appear not to have it, you'll need both slave and master even if only one has failed when fitting be especially careful routing the pipework it's easy to make a mistake.
 
Thanks for the tips. I've lubricated the pivots and it dies feel smoother now. It's a very intermittent fault si it coukd be a while before I know if that's done the trick. I will report back once I know
 
Thanks for the tips. I've lubricated the pivots and it dies feel smoother now. It's a very intermittent fault si it coukd be a while before I know if that's done the trick. I will report back once I know

It will not have done the trick. Get the cylinders ordered.

It is quite exciting, in the middle of a busy junction, with the clutch stuck down, and the lights have changed. Been there, done that. You could wait until that happens, your wife may thank you for bringing her some excitement, or she may not.
 
You were right Bill and it didn't cure it. I'm now trying to remove the cylinders but what a job! Is there any part on the engine that doesn't need to come off?!

I've done most of it now but can't fathom how the master cylinder rod is attached to the pedal. Any pointers would be very gratefully received.

Also, I'm not there yet but looking ahead, where is the clutch bleed valve on these cars? I can't see it anywhere, although it might become obvious once I get the cylinder out.

Any advice gratefully received. Meanwhile I'll keep searching old posts.
 
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Update. I now got the cylinders off. The master push rod just prises off, and I've found the bleed valve.

Next question - what are these sitting in the clutch pipe line?
 

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Sorry, not been too near the computer, the room is currently around 86degrees, not pleasant.

I don't remember the job being particularly difficult, I just removed the battery and its tray, everything else I could access ok. Aircon pump makes access to the master cylinder bolts a little awkward, but having spent a lifetime around cars it was just 'normal'.

I've no idea what the little metal thing is. I assume maybe a damper, but don't care really. The other pic, no idea what I'm looking at there, I guess it might only be half of something, but I do not intend to stick my head under the car to look. Fiat fitted it, it works, don't need to worry about it.
 
Thanks for your input. Yes it is a bit warm isn't it? There's been a tremendous storm raging here for a couple of hours.

To access the master I had to remove the diesel filter and the coilant header tank. Ths nuts aren't exactly easy to to undo either. Then for the slave I had to remove the battery, tray, ECU, Several brackets etc. More fiddly than difficult I suppose but having never stripped it before and having to work out which bits I needed to remove etc took time and 30 degrees didn't help.

I even had to remove the drivers sear as I couldn't get to the clutch pedal pivot due to the car being parked close to a wall.

If I ever do it again it should be much quicker.
 
The "joint" may be a damper of some sort... maybe to prevent backlash when the pedal is released.. it'll be interesting if someone knows for sure... but as Bill says, if you get a new one with the new kit, use it.. if it's easy to disconnect and plumb in the old one, do it.. so it's not *100%* critical to know what it is.. (but I'm curious all the same).

Second picture is "I never saw one of those before..." in anything, ever. So we need to find out what it is and how it works.. :D


Ralf S.
 
The "joint" may be a damper of some sort... maybe to prevent backlash when the pedal is released.. it'll be interesting if someone knows for sure... but as Bill says, if you get a new one with the new kit, use it.. if it's easy to disconnect and plumb in the old one, do it.. so it's not *100%* critical to know what it is.. (but I'm curious all the same).

This triggers a memory; there were issues with the clutch on early RHD diesels and IIRC there was a dealer fix at the time that involved adding a damper...
 
On inspection today I found the slave cylinder was siezed. I managed to free it and got it working beautifully. Then when I came to bleed it I discovered the bleed screw has stripped.

I've tried two local suppliers and ebay but no-one sells cylinders to fit my car. I will be trying the dealer tomorrow even though I don't want to give them my money.

The unusual item in the photo on closer inspection has not got anything missing so I can only presume it's a damper fitted by the Fiat dealer 10 years ago to stop a strange noise. I guess this was when the bleed valve was knackered as it hasn't been touched since.
 
I've found a UK-based guy (KS Spares) who reckons he has one so I've ordered from him. This was literally minutes before I saw your post but I do appreciate your recommendations which I will keep for future reference.
 
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