04 6spd clutch problems

[ThomG]

My dually rather suddenly became extremely difficult if not impossible to shift from idle. I can put it in gear,then start it, it doesn't creep, but shifting going down the road up is ok, but to downshift takes a throttle blip to enable the shift. We are in Whitehorse Yukon with a 35' 5er wanting to continue our trip to Alaska actually tomorrow. Now I know that won't happen with this problem to deal with. The truck has 180,000 miles I purchased it with 110,000 5 years ago. As far as I know it's never had any clutch work done to it, and I did a lot of servicing and repairs that any 180,000 vehicle would need prior to departure and thought a lot about the clutch but it seemed fine sooooo I elected to try it. I'm suspecting the master or slave cylinder, and no I haven't checked the fluid level, but will in the AM. If it's low, it would have to have leaked right, I've not noticed any puddles and am usually very aware of such. I guess I'll shut up, and ask for HELP!, And Thanks for all Y'all do it makes the TDR the best thing since Grandma's pies.

ThomG

 

[GCroyle]

Thom,



For exterior fixes, you only have one chance, the hydraulic system or pedal assembly. If the pedal feels normal as far as forces felt vs. pedal position, its not likely to be external.



If the clutch pulls normal and the shifting difficulty just about came out of nowhere, pilot bearing is a strong canidate. Also at that mileage the area of the diaphragm spring that the release bearing pushes against might be looking pretty tired and showing wear. Certainly other clutch related issues are possible, a chunk of facing is wedging between disc and any portion of clutch cover.



Pedal and hydraulics. Look for low fluid level. If the fluid is low, it didn't evaporate it went someshere. Look under dash find master cylinder pushrod, pull start switch away from master cylinder look behind it for weeping. If you can remove slave cylinder pull pushrod off and remove boot look for fluid, no fluid = good slave cylinder is not leaking. Fluid = better because you might be able to get it going again w/o clutch surgery.



Also PM sent.



Gary