93 escort - clutch problems

[fullboat1010]

This is my first post at this forum, and I hope I can get some help!

Yesterday afternoon I went out to start my car to go to class, and it started just fine and normally. Then when I pushed the clutch in to put it into reverse there was resistance, like it wasn't hitting the pressure plate. The clutch just felt really loose. I couldn't get the car into gear at all. I checked the brake fluid and it was lower than the minimum line. I filled that up and pushed the clutch in and out to check for leaks and there was none. I don't know if it has something to do with the slave cylinder or what not. What should I do?? Thanks for any help!!!!

[Davescort97]

Welcome to Automotive Forums!

You've probably got some air in the slave cylinder. Bleeding it should solve the problem. If you want to do it yourself it isn't that hard. A shop will do it for around $60.00.

To bleed the slave cylinder:
1. Fill the brake/clutch master cylinder.
2. Fit a hose over the bleeder valve and route it into a jar with clean brake fluid in it.
3. Have a another person pump the clutch 2 or 3 times and then hold it to
the floor.
4. Open the bleeder valve and let air escape into the fluid jar.
5. Close the bleeder valve and repeat steps 4 and 5 until no more bubbles show up in the jar.

There is a chance the clutch master cylinder needs to be replaced. Figure on another $200 to get that done if you have someone do it for you.