2002 Elantra GT - Clutch pedal has no resistance

[markag6]

Hi guys,

My wife drives a 2002 Elantra GT and just recently we have encountered a problem. The clutch pedal, when pushed, has almost zero resistance. This is combined with the clutch barely disengaging making it very difficult to shift gears. Sometimes, pressing in the clutch fully does not disengage the clutch at all, locking the transmission either in or out of gear.

I'm not too familiar with hydraulic clutch systems myself, but it seems to me like something is up with either the master or slave cylinder and not the clutch itself. When the car is in gear, it doesn't act like it is slipping or anything. When looking under the hood with my wife pressing the clutch pedal, the piston in the slave(?) cylinder only moves the clutch lever about an inch or a little less.

I'm going to try and bleed the cylinder and see if it is just air trapped in the line. I'm also going to make sure the brake fluid is topped off.

Does it sound like this is either the clutch master or slave cylinder? If so, is it both, one or the other? Also, what am I looking at as far as repair if bleeding it does not fix the problem. I'm not afraid to do the work myself if it isn't too terrible of a job. I'm pretty mechanical and think I could handle it, but I don't have a lot of tools and equipment yet. Also, if I do take it in, what am I looking at for repairs?

I appreciate all your help. Thanks!