I just changed my clutch master cylinder, and I went through the whole bleeding process, by constantly pumping the clutch. However, I can't get my car into gear now. Does anyone have any suggestions? Do I still have air in my system?

Raymond Chen

 

Most likely. Pull the clutch inspection cover and see how much the throwout bearing is moving.

Also, make sure you keep topping up the brake fluid. There's a wall in the back of the brake master cylinder reservoir for the clutch fluid - they share reservoirs, but the wall in the back keeps the brake system from running dry due to a clutch hydraulics failure.

For bleeding, get a buddy to help. Pedal to ground, open bleeder screw on slave, close, then pedal up. Repeat, and keep checking to see if fluid needs to be added.

It's also possible that either something's not good with the clutch master you swapped in (I hope it's a new part!) or you have another problem with the clutch hydraulics - bad rubber line or slave cylinder. Normally when one part of the system goes out all the others soon follow suit. I've found it to be a good idea to replace the whole shootin' match when it's time and be done with it. New clutch and slave, and stainless braided clutch line is the way to go.

Dale

 

Did you bleed the slave cylinder as well? If you haven't, it's a good idea to.
Art

 

I did the bleeding through the bleed valve on the slave cylinder. Now, it seems that the clutch pedal does not have the pressure that it should have when you press down on it. When you step on it, it seems to have no pressure from the starting position of the clutch pedal to where the clutch pedal is half way down. Most of the pressure comes in when the clutch pedal is at least half way down. Even so, I still can't get the car in gear.

 

Try adjusting the rod on the master cylinder and try to bleed the system again. It might not be properly adjusted for the new master cylinder.
You cant get the car in gear because the slave cylinder is not moving out all the way and the clutch is not releasing.

 

How do I adjust the rod on the master clutch cylinder?

 

The rod is attached to the clutch pedal. Loosen the jam nut and turn the rod so it gets longer.

 

Wow, just adjusting the rod on the clutch pedal made all the difference!

Thanks!