Do I need a new clutch

[boricua123]

It seems like I need a new clutch, but I am not sure. This is a 99 Eclipse non turbo. I was driving the other day and I noticed that I was having a hard time shifting. It felt like if I was not pushing the clutch all the way in. Only a day after that the clutch seems to be almost out. I put the clutch all the way in and if the car is in first gear, I barely move my foot and the car starts moving forward.

Do you know if I need a new clutch? If so, what parts should I buy? Is that a hard thing to do?

[97GSTspyder]

first, try bleeding the clutch. secondly, you might need a new slave cylinder. how many miles are on the clutch? you could try adjusting the master cylinder rod under the dash. that will mess with the engagement some. might help you too...i'd leave that step for last though...if none of those ideas work, you may need a new clutch. you might have a shot throw-out bearing or bad pressure plate. a bad t/o bearing would give very low engagement/rough engagment. when you go to replace the clutch, look for the clutch you want. ACT, Centerforce, RAM, etc etc. make sure you get a t/o bearing and alignment tool too. sometimes these two parts don't come with a new clutch assembly.

EDIT > I must say, with my new RAM clutch I am very happy with it. The clutch disc, pressure plate, t/o bearing and alignment tool all came in one box for $170 at Summit Racing. Not bad at all for an emergency replacement.

[kjewer1]

Sounds like a hyrdaulics problem, not clutch itself.

[boricua123]

I just checked the reservoir and it was empty. I put some fluid in it and bled the line but nothing happened. I just took the car to pepboys so they can tell me what's wrong with it. Once I found out I will post it here so I can get some ideas on how to fix the problem.

Thank you!

[kjewer1]

The easy way to check is this:

Slave cylinder on the tranny- pull back the boot and see if there is fluid in there. It should be dry.

Master Cylinder- Look on the firewall where the clutch rod goes through. If its wet, its bad. It should be dry. I'm also assuming this is setup the same way as the turbo cars, with the master coming through the firewall.

The good news is hydraulic issues are cheaper to fix than replacing the clutch itself.

[boricua123]

I just got the results back and they told me I need to change the master and the slave cylinders... Is this a hard thing to do?

[kjewer1]

Slave is a no brainer, master is a bit tougher. Again, at least on the turbo cars. The part itself is easy enough to change, but getting at the line fitting can be a pain in the ass. When you've replaced them bloth, bleed the system well.