Hard clutch pedal - Slave cylinder issue? (Page 1/1)
842m4SE DEC 22, 03:10 PM
I recently installed a clutch master cylinder from a pick n pull 84 Fiero into my 84 Fiero to replace the one with a broken pushrod, I took it home and flushed the fluids with new brake fluid a few times before draining that and installing. Installation went fine and bleeding went as expected, fluid came out and some air, I bled it 8 times until no more air came out but the pedal is very hard to press in. When bleeding, the pedal went all the way to the floor very easily, but after closing the valve it is very hard to push in. The slave cylinder rod does not appear to be traveling but if I push the clutch pedal in hard it is much easier to shift. (Engine off and on stands) Any idea what the issue could be? Thank you for reading.
842m4SE DEC 22, 03:29 PM
Also the bracket or whatever it is pushing on to connect to the clutch doesn't seem to want to move when pressed on.
Patrick DEC 22, 04:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by 842m4SE:

The slave cylinder rod does not appear to be traveling but if I push the clutch pedal in hard it is much easier to shift. (Engine off and on stands)



But apparently not with the engine running.

How long has it been since your clutch worked properly?

The fact that the clutch master push rod broke indicates that something is providing way too much resistance. Are you sure the slave hasn't seized in the bore?

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 12-22-2020).]

842m4SE DEC 22, 04:29 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

But apparently not with the engine running.

How long has it been since your clutch worked properly?

The fact that the clutch master push rod broke indicates that something is providing way too much resistance. Are you sure the slave hasn't seized in the bore?




It's been about 23 years. I bought it after it had been sitting under a tree for 23 years because the clutch master cylinder rod broke and he just didn't want to deal with it anymore, at least that was the story I got. When I removed it, the middle part of the pushrod was very rusty and had broken off cleanly in the middle.

I just recently got the engine back to running, the issue with trying the clutch out with the engine running is that because I can't push in the clutch pedal enough to trigger the safety switch I can't start it with the master cylinder pushrod connected to the pedal.
How would I go about fixing a seizure with the slave rod? I hope it hasn't but that would make sense.
Patrick DEC 22, 05:07 PM

quote
Originally posted by 842m4SE:

It's been about 23 years.



Alrighty then.

I suspect your slave will be toast from accumulated moisture in the fluid. Buy a dual-seal replacement from Rodney Dickman. It's the best slave for a Fiero that money can buy. (I see I already mentioned that to you Here. )

Hopefully there's nothing corroded/binding within the bellhousing. Twenty-three years is a long time to be sitting.

What condition are the brake calipers in? You might be looking at a lot of potential issues.


quote
Originally posted by 842m4SE:

...the issue with trying the clutch out with the engine running is that because I can't push in the clutch pedal enough to trigger the safety switch I can't start it with the master cylinder pushrod connected to the pedal.



Just unplug the connector from the safety switch and jumper the connector. Obviously make sure the transmission is out of gear before starting the engine (if the tires/wheels are on the ground).

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 12-22-2020).]

842m4SE DEC 22, 05:36 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

Alrighty then.

Your slave will be toast from moisture in the fluid. Buy a dual-seal replacement from Rodney Dickman. It's the best slave for a Fiero that money can buy. (I see I already mentioned that to you Here. )

Hopefully there's nothing corroded/binding within the bellhousing. Twenty-three years is a long time to be sitting.

What condition are the brake calipers in? You might be looking at a lot of potential issues.




Luckily this was from a very warm and dry part of California, so basically no rust besides small surface spots. When we were pushing it in it didn't appear to drag to either side so that hopefully is a good thing. All of the wheels up on stands seem to drag pretty badly though unfortunately... I'm guessing 4 brake caliper rebuilds+ new fluids, along with a new rodney dickman slave cylinder. Thank you for all the help!
Dennis LaGrua DEC 24, 03:54 PM
I would never trust a 36 yr old clutch, its master cylinder, nor would I trust a slave cylinder that old. A common problem on these cars could also be a bent clutch fork or the clutch itself. That clutch was probably engaged and disengaged over a hundred thousand times or more during its life. I would replace all of the old parts. IMO, keeping the old parts is a problem waiting to happen. . If you have the funds, Rodney Dickman sells reliable master and slave clutch cylinders.

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