1994 Gen 1 no clutch resistance

[phipplet]

Hello,

Before I start tearing things apart and throwing parts at it. Looking for some Viper mechanic thoughts?

I have a 1994 Gen 1 with 56k miles. Went out driving yesterday, pulled up to a stop light. All of sudden the clutch pedal has no resistance / pressure and will not engage the clutch to put into gear. The pedal will go completely to the floor. When I let off the pedal, it returns to its normal position, but no pressure / resistance. The engine begins to struggle to idle, and I can hear what sounds like the slave cylinder slightly rubbing, spinning and the engine struggling to maintain idle. Towed it home.

Everything is attached under the dash. Bushings and bearings are fine on the pedal itself. The hydraulic clutch reservoir is full and there is no leaking anywhere.


Any ideas?

 

[Goggles Pizano]

You can always look through the inspection hole and have someone work the clutch.

 

[white out]

If it is not a mechanical issue with the slave, change the fluid in the clutch reservoir. It is likely contaminated (Viper does that) and if old, heat can make the fluid useless.

Easy way - use a turkey baster, empty reservoir, wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Fill. Put cap on. Pump pedal a 5+ times. Repeat 3-5 times. Then see if issue is resolved.

 

[phipplet]

Thank you for the advice, I will try that today.

 

[serafins]

Mine does this with dot 3 fluid in the reservoir. The fluid boils at a stop. Switched to dot 4 fluid no more issues.

 

[haneifk]

My clutch slave went at 44k miles last year. and there was no obvious fluid leak. The clutch master went out shortly after. I think these cars are just at an age where it's gonna start needing a lot more maintenance. My money's on the slave cylinder