Clutch Problem on 2002 Elantra?

[Neunundneunzig]

Hey guys, I started my day normally until I went to the garage to start my car. Upon entering the car, I noticed the clutch was feeling a bit strange. Disregarding this, I started my car and attempted to back out of the garage until I noticed I was unable to put my car into any gear.

The shifter goes through the gears without any problems while the car is off, but not while running, thus leading me to believe the clutch is to blame. I've also noticed the clutch feeling different for quite some time, though I shrugged it off as my own paranoia.

What do you guys think? The car is about nine years old with 56k miles

[Moppie]

G'day,

It's an Hydraulic type clutch, so the first thing to check is the fluid level in master cylinder.
This will be under the bonnet beside the brake fluid resevior

If the level is low, then top it up with brake fluid.
The clutch should now work again, but it does mean you have a fluid leak.
Usually it's in the slave cylinder, fortunately these are quick, cheap, and easy to replace.


If the level isn't low, it may still be the slave cylinder, but you will need someone to work the pedal while you watch the cylinder to see if it's moving and release fork.

If it is, then the problem is with in the clutch itself.
It's not unheard for the diaphragm on the backing plate to fail, or the disc to stick the flywheel, break etc.
That is a bit more involved to fix, as it does mean removing the gear box and replacing the clutch.

[Moppie]

I found a great video on youtube showing where the slave and master cylinders are, how to replace them, and bleed the system:


http://youtu.be/vKV8a0QL5uk