Low tension on clutch

[Harvey]

I have recently been experiencing a strange symptom on my 2000 Legacy
Brighton with 5 speed Manual.

After I have been driving for a while I notice that when I depress the
clutch there is definite lack of pressure or tension on the clutch for about
half the distance - then the pressure is "normal". I am able to shift to
the next gear up or down. When I release the clutch the pressure is normal
for about half the distance - the pressure decreases.

I have checked the fluid reservoir and it is between the max and fill marks.

I believe that with the hydraulic there is no adjustment. I have owned
other cars with hydraulic clutches and never experienced this before.

 

[Michael Pardee]

I have recently been experiencing a strange symptom on my 2000 Legacy
Brighton with 5 speed Manual.

After I have been driving for a while I notice that when I depress the
clutch there is definite lack of pressure or tension on the clutch for
about
half the distance - then the pressure is "normal". I am able to shift to
the next gear up or down. When I release the clutch the pressure is
normal
for about half the distance - the pressure decreases.

I have checked the fluid reservoir and it is between the max and fill
marks.

I believe that with the hydraulic there is no adjustment. I have owned
other cars with hydraulic clutches and never experienced this before.

The fluid level tells the story, most likely - you probably have a failing
clutch cylinder. The fluid level should never drop when the clutch is not
depressed, so should always be at the "max" mark. Disk brake systems usually
suck down fluid as the pads wear, but clutch systems always come back to the
same state.

Pull back the boot on the clutch bell housing where the slave cylinder is.
If you see wetness the slave cylinder is failing. Look (or feel) on the
firewall under the dash where the pushrod from the clutch pedal goes to the
clutch master cylinder. If you see/feel wetness there the clutch master
cylinder is failing.

Actually, if either cylinder is failing both should be replaced. In my
experience, when one fails the other will follow within weeks... I have no
idea why, but each time my sons and I have tried to get off cheap we were
doing the other cylinder by the next payday, refilling and bleeding all over
again. Note also that aluminum cylinders can't be rebuilt - they wear the
aluminum out. Expect to pay about $100 US for the pair, at least
aftermarket.

In any case, replacing the cylinders is a *whole lot* easier than getting
into the clutch!

Mike

 

[Harvey]

Thanks for the reply.

I doubled checked and the fluid level is on the max mark. I will monitor it
over the next while.

Both cylinders seem dry now - I will monitor them as well.

Other than the visual checks is there any type of testing that can be done?

Harvey

 

[Dan Garber]

I have recently been experiencing a strange symptom on my 2000 Legacy
Brighton with 5 speed Manual.

After I have been driving for a while I notice that when I depress the
clutch there is definite lack of pressure or tension on the clutch for
about half the distance - then the pressure is "normal". I am able to
shift to the next gear up or down. When I release the clutch the
pressure is normal for about half the distance - the pressure
decreases.

I have checked the fluid reservoir and it is between the max and fill
marks.

I believe that with the hydraulic there is no adjustment. I have
owned other cars with hydraulic clutches and never experienced this
before.

I had the same problem on my '98 Legacy GT; it turned out to be the
problem in this TSB:

<quote>
NUMBER: 03-52-03R
DATE: 07/15/03

APPLICABILITY: 1995~2002MY Legacy;
1997~2003MY 2.5L Impreza; and
1998~2003MY Forester Vehicles.
All models have Manual Transmission.
SUBJECT: Clutch Pedal Sticking (revised)

INTRODUCTION
In the event you encounter a customer complaint of the clutch pedel not
returning completely after being engaged, or has a spongy pedal feel or
a light feel in the shifting pedal while shifting, the following repair
method should be followed. This condition may affect certain manual
transmission vehicles with a hydraulic clutch system under certain
weather conditions.

PROCEDURE
To correct this condition you must replace the parts in the chart that
match your vehicle using the following procedure:
<snip>

Replace the clutch hose and the clutch operating cylinder with new parts
<end quote>

This was not covered by a 'hidden' warranty; I think it ran about $350

 

[Sheldon]

I have recently been experiencing a strange symptom on my 2000 Legacy
Brighton with 5 speed Manual.

After I have been driving for a while I notice that when I depress the
clutch there is definite lack of pressure or tension on the clutch for
about
half the distance - then the pressure is "normal". I am able to shift to
the next gear up or down. When I release the clutch the pressure is
normal
for about half the distance - the pressure decreases.

I have checked the fluid reservoir and it is between the max and fill
marks.

I believe that with the hydraulic there is no adjustment. I have owned
other cars with hydraulic clutches and never experienced this before.

There is no adjustment, but just a thought -- it might be air in the line.
Pushing halfway down depresses the air and brings back a normal clutch feel.
Whatever, get it looked at before you wind up stranded.