Clutch pedal stuck on floor - low fluid?

[Lord Percy]

Hi

When I got in my car this morning (3 door 184) I pressed the clutch pedal and it just stuck to the floor. It can be lifted back up but when pressed it just springs back to the floor again. I have noticed for the last couple of weeks that the car seemed a bit juddery when setting off in first gear but I embarrassingly thought it may have been the traction control so kept driving it in eco mode to tame it 🫣

I know there are threads about master and slave cylinders failing but I just wondered if it could be the fluid being low as there appears to be nothing in it. I'm assuming the fluid is in the reservoir next to the coolant expansion tank? (Sorry, I know next to nothing about cars). Brakes are fine, for what it's worth.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

 

[os99]

If there's nothing in the reservoir, there's a leak, no other way that amount of fluid would disappear. If the res is completely empty, that'd suggest a braking issue since the clutch takes off is higher up.

But assuming it's clutch, likely culprit is master or slave cylinders. Master cylinder isn't too bad of a job to do, but sods law it'll be the slave which is a gearbox out job unfortunately - although presents a good opportunity for a new clutch and flywheel.

You could inspect the underside of the gearbox for signs of a leak, but probably best to get it recovered to a garage.

 

[Lord Percy]

Cheers os99.

Booked in for 20th May. He did say I could try topping up the fluid just to get it moved but wasn't sure if it'd work. Gonna give it a go anyway.

 

[os99]

You might have some luck, although if it's empty it must've been leaking for ages or have a big leak.

You'll need to bleed the clutch after topping up, fairly easy to do with a brake/clutch bleeder. I used one of the cheap ones that you connect to a tyre and it forces the fluid through the system, there'll be plenty of videos on how to do it on youtube.

 

[Lord Percy]

Cheers man. I put some fluid in but it didn't take much. Obviously there was already enough but I couldn't see the level. I've got too much in now!