My clutch pedal wont return sometimes. I can pull it back using my foot without trouble at all. So the clutch wont disengage or engage correctly. I have checked the master cylinder for leaks and found none. I checked the fluid level, its fine. I checked under the dash and found that the return spring on the pedal is slightly rusted, as is the shaft that runs through the spring. Is it just that shaft that is making it stick? Or is there something else that is wrong? The clutch was preplaced by Mazda less than 6k ago. Im not sure exactly what all they replaced (cuz my dad put it in the shop and was involved in that). Thanks guys.

 

looks like you are geting a lot of moisture in there to rust something that fast. did they reseal it correctly? i couldn't see a little rust holding your pedal that well though.

 

air in the hydraulic line can cause the symptom you describe. try bleeding the system.

 

it doesnt seem to be holding it that well because I can pull it back up w/ my foot with ease. I had a leak in my soft top (my car is a vert) so that could explain the rust. I will try bleeding the system and see if that helps.

 

Ok in the process of pulling the release cylinder, I stripped the bolt that holds it down. I had a feeling that the piston in the release cylinder was faulty and working intermittantly. So, any ideas oh how to get a stripped bolt out? I dont really know how I stripped it, I guess I'm just really strong or something lol, no the bolt was a little rusty. Well, help? Thanks.

 

It could be the master cylinder, the same thing happened to me on my car, have someone push down the clutch pedal while you examine the cylinders, the fluid level on the master cylinder should drop when clutch is down and the level should come back up when it is released, if you have a faulty master cylinder, the level might drop initially but will come right back up even with the pedal depressed. Check the release cylinder the same way, you should be able to see the release cylinder push against the release fork when pedal is down and should stay there until it is released, if it releases it while pedal is depressed it needs to be replaced. It could also be air in the hydrolic line so try bleeding it first.To remove stripped bolts go to sears and buy a stripped bolt/nut remover.

 

easy-out. not sure if you've ever used them but thats my suggestion on the bolt.

 

You might as well change both the master cylynder and the slave. When one goes the other is right around the corner.

 

K thanks guys.....I appreciate it!

Aaron