16v clutch pedal problem - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

revbond · #1 03-31-2003, 06:21 PM

When I run my car on warm days (70F +) and do driving in traffic, my clutch pedal drops to the floor when I depress the clutch pedal and attempt to shift (usually downshift when coming to a stop). I have to reach down and manually pull it back up and it will operate normally for a short while until it happens again. It does not exhibit this behavior in cool weather (60F). I have, bemusedly, been living with this for a while, but now it is has become a safety issue (I have been rear-ended because of it).

Any ideas? In reviewing the records for the car, I don't see any record for clutch replacement. Could it need a new clutch? Is this a failure of the either master or slave cylinders (or both?) Is the fluld getting too hot and boiling?

Thanks

16VAlex · #2 03-31-2003, 10:01 PM

Try to replace the clutch master and the slave cylinder. I thought perhaps the piston washer is worn out either in your master or slave could cause this problem. My question to you is do you have a hard time occationally when try to engage to first gear from neutral? If yes, then you should replace the parts I've mentioned.

Good luck

revbond · #3 03-31-2003, 10:21 PM

I generally don't have problem going from neutral to first, only when the clutch pedal drops to the floor and the clutch will not disengage allowing for the change of gears.

Thanks for the thought. I probably will start with replacing out both the master and slave.

mbdoc · #4 04-01-2003, 08:15 AM

Many times flushing the brake fluid/clutch fluid from the system will help this problem. Moisture in the fluid will cause this type of problem!

revbond · #5 04-01-2003, 04:13 PM

I will flush the system when changing out the master and slave, just to be sure.

Thanks for the advice!