uk_yellow said:

Although i have been told that clutch and brake fluid are on seperate feeds so not sure about this ?

Any ideas appreciated

Paula[/COLOR]

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As far as I am aware the clutch and brake system are the same.

The clutch mechanism which is hydraulic, is fed from the brake fluid reservoir, I would check this first to make sure it is at the correct level.
If it is not fill it up.

Also check the slave cylinder. It sits under the battery tray which you might need to remove to see it properly. This is a little piston which sits on top of the gearbox. When you push the clutch pedal down in the car it forces the fluid through the pipes, the fluid pushes in turn, the piston (slave cylinder open) and it moves the clutch arm. You might see it leaking, pull back the rubber boot on it to see.

Check your brake fluid first It is possible it has been leaking at the slave cylinder, this will loose pressure in the clutch system and you will not immediately have enough pressure to return the clutch pedal back up. After a while it will struggle to push the clutch arm across enough and you will struggle to select gears. I am thinking that the clutch fluid loss (if that's what is happening) after time is taking fluid away from the brake system. Hence your poor brakes.

Have you noticed the clutch pedal sitting lower than the other pedals?

bridges said:

As far as I am aware the clutch and brake system are the same.

The clutch mechanism which is hydraulic, is fed from the brake fluid reservoir, I would check this first to make sure it is at the correct level.
If it is not fill it up.

Also check the slave cylinder. It sits under the battery tray which you might need to remove to see it properly. This is a little piston which sits on top of the gearbox. When you push the clutch pedal down in the car it forces the fluid through the pipes, the fluid pushes in turn, the piston (slave cylinder open) and it moves the clutch arm. You might see it leaking, pull back the rubber boot on it to see.

Check your brake fluid first It is possible it has been leaking at the slave cylinder, this will loose pressure in the clutch system and you will not immediately have enough pressure to return the clutch pedal back up. After a while it will struggle to push the clutch arm across enough and you will struggle to select gears. I am thinking that the clutch fluid loss (if that's what is happening) after time is taking fluid away from the brake system. Hence your poor brakes.

Have you noticed the clutch pedal sitting lower than the other pedals?

Click to expand...

Hi thanks for advice, same thing happened again this morning, pumped the clutch and got it back but the brakes seemed very spongy afterwards, does seem to be losing a small amount of fluid and the pedal is slightly lower than the others, gonna have a proper look in the morning and check out what you suggested.

Paula

hello again


yes it is leaking from the clutch cylinder, not yet sure which one but definately leaking from that area.

Only problem now is getting off the rusted on battery tray :bang:

while i'm here anyone know anything about the stereo backlight being permanently on ?????


:chin:
regards
Paula

the slave cylinder leak is a very common problem. dont buy a slave cylinder from fiat, they're less than half the price at your local motorfactors. i changed mine last month, it cost £18.99. dont forget a bottle of dot5 brake fluid too

dont know about the stereo backlight problem, but its a standard stereo so rip it out, stick it in the bin, and replace it with something better