Clutch Issues

[millcat72]

Ok guys, i have read through the forums and can't really find anything on this - so here it is..last week i started noticing my 02 Wrangler having clutch issues...i was at a stop light and had the clutched mashed to the floor and the car was still trying to go...also, the next day i couldn't even get it out of gear (1st)...that has happened a few times - i end up just turning off my rig and restarting and it goes away...there are times when i have to pump the clutch in order for me to get it into gear..how embarassing coming through the gate when that happens....basically i can't tell if i need to replace my clutch completely or if the throw out bearing is bad..and last, for any of you out there that have replaced a clutch how difficult is it??...i will have access to the base hobby shop so i will have access to lifts, etc...

any help is greatly appreciated...there are no jeep clubs here in Montgomery for me to turn to...

[TeeJ]

Don't know why turning it off would seem to clear the problem, but you have a hydraulic clutch. Pedal pushes a master cylinder piston which pushes fluid to the slave cylinder piston which moves the clutch plate. Pistons seals wear and the fluid seeps past the piston, having the same effect as releasing the clutch pedal. Or there might be a leak and there's air in the hydraulic system. Pumping the pedal temporarily "fixes" either. Sounds like that's the kind of problem you have vs trouble with the clutch disk, etc.
Parts info and diagrams - http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-cl...r-tj/index.htm

[ColoFreeJeeper]

It sounds like a hydraulic problem. If there are no visible leaks, it's probably the clutch master cylinder.

[JoeySnow70]

It sounds like a hydraulic problem. If there are no visible leaks, it's probably the clutch master cylinder.

I agree with that..... Master or Slave cyl.......

[millcat72]

ok...well today the clutch went out completely...i can now mash the pedal all the way to the floor with no luck on the clutch...i took the lid off the resevoir and pumped the clutch pedal and could see the fluid in there moving...i cant get it out of first gear at all...ordered a new clutch set today...do you guys still think it's the master/slave cyl???...there are no visible leaks coming from anything...

[ColoFreeJeeper]

Generally speaking, any external leaks are attributed to the clutch slave cylinder. If no leaks, then usually it's the clutch master as it can bypass pressure internally and not leak externally.

[JoeySnow70]

Generally speaking, any external leaks are attributed to the clutch slave cylinder. If no leaks, then usually it's the clutch master as it can bypass pressure internally and not leak externally.

Nuff said!!!!

[TeeJ]

"do you guys still think it's the master/slave cyl???"

Yes - it's unanimous. Good advice above.

[Sr. Beaver]

My .02, It does sound like the Master Cylinder. A word of caution if you replace one it is a good idea to replace the other, from turning wrenches for 12yrs as a living I can not count the times customers would refuse our recommendation to replace the slave as well, just to have it blow out a week later. It is not always the case but I have seen it many times and have had it happen on my own vehicle once, that's all it took for me. Just my opinion

[ColoFreeJeeper]

My .02, It does sound like the Master Cylinder. A word of caution if you replace one it is a good idea to replace the other, from turning wrenches for 12yrs as a living I can not count the times customers would refuse our recommendation to replace the slave as well, just to have it blow out a week later. It is not always the case but I have seen it many times and have had it happen on my own vehicle once, that's all it took for me. Just my opinion

QFT.