Technical Possible clutch problem?

[discojam]

I am not technically minded at all so forgive me if I don't sound very clued up!

Am after some advice, last week I noticed a change in my clutch pedal. At first I thought it was due to wearing trainers and the grip on them slipping off the clutch pedal as I brought it up but realised on Sunday that the feeling is still there even in flat shoes with no tread. I will try to describe it..

I bring the clutch pedal up after changing gear and once it gets quite near to the top it feels like my foot is slipping off it, so I think the clutch pedal must be moving in a different way to before.

My car is a Punto, R reg - 137,000 I will need to check the history to see when the clutch was last done but I have had it since Decemebr 2007 and havn't had it done..

Any advice very much appreciated, I have a a mechanic friend I can take it to at some point I'm just wondering how serious a clutch problem is if thats what it sounds like and is it the sort of thing thats best to be done sooner rather than later?

Thank you!

 

[MadMan0]

If you check for any leaks in the system, they will appear as a yellow substance. I've had to change the clutch slave clyinder £35 when their was no pressure on the clutch pedal. easy fix 20-30 mins. The leak was caused by a tear in the rubber seal around the clyinder

 

[red]

These clutches are prone to failure through wearing of components. Quite straightforward for a mechanic to renew though not a job for a novice. Faults can manifest as varying pressure as pedal is depressed or released, as well as strange noises.

You ought to eliminate loss of hydraulic fluid though as this is shared with the braking system. Check to see whether reservoir level has dropped (reservoir is at top back of engine compartment, near windscreen driver's side). If fluid has been lost, look for leaks around the clutch slave cylinder, on the bell-housing, under the battery area. If you're not sure what you're looking for, get someone to press the clutch a few times while you look down there. You will see a piston moving in and out of the slave cylinder.

red.

 

[discojam]

thank you both for your replies! I will see if I can check that tonight then and will check the reservoir - have text my mechanic mate who hopefully will reply to let me know when I can take it in .. have got the MOT next month as well so can give it a going over for that as well..
I've only noticed it for a week, is this the sort of problem that will get a lot worse quickly or if I get it looked at in the next week will that be okay?

Thanks again!

 

[red]

A question and a road test:

1. Are there any strange noises, whining, squeaking, etc. that change or go away when you press the clutch down? (engine running of course).

2. Try the classic test for clutch slipping: Find a gentle incline up hill (i.e. to ensure some power will be needed), drive in second gear at say 20mph and accelerate hard. If the clutch is slipping the engine will rev up without a corresponding change in road speed.

I can't give any guarantees but if it passes the above, I would say you're alright to continue use for a few days until a mechanic can see/hear first hand but suggest avoiding motorways in case you did happen to break down.

red.