Today my clutch pedal went to the floor. It sort of slowly worked its’ way there on my drive home from work. Got it home, pulled the clutch pedal up, pressed it down again, got it into gear and into the garage. Checked the ground for fluids, none. Checked the break reservoir, level good. Clutch has never shown any signs of trouble, no slipping. All that said, starting about 2 months ago I noticed a drop on my garage floor, break fluid. Many weeks later the dash break light came on, sure enough reservoir was low. Since I first noticed the drop on the floor it could not have leaked a cap full. Breaks work fine and show no signs of air in the lines. Anybody got any ideas on what would cause this?

 

You have a leak somewhere. The clutch typically does not leak much fluid and is usually not visible in my experience. Most likely the clutch master cylindar needs a rebuild. Probably less hassle to just buy a new one or rebuilt one through Mazda. Could also be the slave. But if one needs attention it probably wouldn't hurt to get both done at once.

 

Would the master or slave go out in what appears to a single day? I mean I had no clue of trouble until this afternoon.

Thanks for the info.

 

Yep. Had the same thing happen to me as you describe. Had to have the car hauled home and then repaired it.

 

Did you replace both master and slave? I ended up about three gear shifts from being on the side of the road, I'm lucky.

 

No. Went step by step. Replaced the master first and that solved my problem. Just lucky I guess.

 

Replace the master and rebuild the slave. Also, make sure you are checking the correct side of the brake fluid reservoir. There is a divider which separates the clutch side from the brake side (so if you dump all your clutch fluid, your brakes still work).

 

Checked the fluid in the reservoir, it's one level. Rebuild kits for the slave, is this a Mazda only thing or something the local Auto Parts Store will have?

 

That's actually one of the few things you might be able to get at a NAPA or Autozone.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

So a friend and I are looking over the car today (second set of eyes) and of course nothing stands out. Start the car up, clutch works great, let it warm up to operating temp, still engages and disengages fine. Put it in and out of gear, rocked it back and forth in the driveway, no problems. Did not get out on the street with it but does this make any sense?

 

Probably the seal on the master piston is worn enough that when things get warm (warmer than it will get fooling around in the driveway), the seal loses contact with the master cylinder inner wall, and bypasses the fluid, giving you the low pedal. I would not be surprised if you have a wet spot from brake fluid in the carpet under the master cylinder rod.

 

Just checked, carpet is fine and I can not see any evidence of fluid at the clutch pedal rod to the master cylinder.

 

If the master cylinder seal is failing, there won't be any external leaks.

 

Ditto. See above. You have a leak w/o a doubt based on your symptoms. You leave it and you'll be like me--paying for the trailer ride home.

Getgone = JD to Rescue

 

Looking for a master cylinder now.
Thanks for the help.