Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clutch Hydraulics Problems?

[GO 4LO]

Guys,

I need a little help diagnosing a clutch problem. A little background - I have a 2001. 5 2500 4x4 with the NV5600 and an Iron Giant DD clutch. I went out on Friday to head to work, and the clutch pedal felt lighter than normal, I couldn't hear the floater plate rattling when I depressed the clutch, and she didn't want to go into gear. I assumed it must be the master or slave, and a guy at SBC had the same suspicion. I got SBC to overnight me the new pre-modified hydraulics setup they have and got the new setup installed over the weekend, but it's acting the same way (soft pedal, won't go into gear, no floater plate rattle). Assuming I must have gotten air into the system somehow, I tried what I've read in the archives here - keeping the slave lower than the master, holding it straight down, and slowly pushing the rod in and then using the clutch pedal to force fluid back down to the slave. I tried it fast, slow, wiggled it while doing it, etc. Everything I could think of. But I still have the same symptoms.

With the slave in my hand and someone pushing the clutch in, it only moves the slave rod about 1. 5 inches - is that normal? Does it sound like I still somehow have air in the system, or have I misdiagnosed this? Thanks.



Chris

 

[GO 4LO]

SBC sent me another master/slave to try, and that didn't fix it either. Time to pull the transmission, I guess.



Chris

 

[Got Smoke?]

I thought you already swapped the Iron Giant for the Kenny Smith DD in the puller?

 

[GO 4LO]

No, I ended up buying a second Iron Giant for the puller and plan to sell the Kenny Smith DD. Got the used one for a good price and figured I'd save $400 by not having to pull the trans in my daily driver. Now I have to anyway .



Chris

 

[bluthndr]

Same thing just happened to me with our '01. Clutch won't disengage, and very little pedal pressure, BUT the master is full and I've never had it open, Plus it worked perfect for the last 30K since I bought the truck, and I'm pretty sure the clutch is original or OE replacement.

 

[South Bend Clutch]

My guess is a lever popped in the pressure plate. When you get it tore down call me.



Peter

 

[GO 4LO]

Yeah, the truck is still sitting in the garage right now - been driving the Firebird to work. I've got to get it tore apart here soon, though, so I can haul my puller to the Scheid's event in a few weeks. I'll call you once I get into it, Peter.



Chris

 

[Got Smoke?]

Yeah, the truck is still sitting in the garage right now - been driving the Firebird to work. I've got to get it tore apart here soon, though, so I can haul my puller to the Scheid's event in a few weeks. I'll call you once I get into it, Peter.



Chris

Is 'Ol Red finally ready for its first run!!! Oo. :-laf

 

[bluthndr]

My guess is a lever popped in the pressure plate. When you get it tore down call me.



Peter

If that's the case I will be down to see you for a double in a week or so Peter. Been looking for an excuse anyway after I fried it at a pull last summer. Thought it was a goner, but it's gone another 20K since then with no slipping...

 

[bluthndr]

If that's the case I will be down to see you for a double in a week or so Peter. Been looking for an excuse anyway after I fried it at a pull last summer. Thought it was a goner, but it's gone another 20K since then with no slipping...

In case anyone wondered, the slave/master combo from Chrysler fixed it. Super simple to replace - about 1/2 hour, maybe less, but cost me almost $200! Not bad for 275K miles though...

 

[GO 4LO]

Finally got my clutch out, and you're right - one of the levers is popped. I'm shipping it out to you today. I'll give you a call, Peter.



Chris

 

[GO 4LO]

Is 'Ol Red finally ready for its first run!!! Oo. :-laf

Yes, its is. Didn't make it to Scheid's, unfortunately, as I've been out of town. Gotta get the towrig back together and do one more thing to the BRH, and I'll be hauling it to the next pull I can find .



Chris

 

[RoadGoesOnForever]

Finally got my clutch out, and you're right - one of the levers is popped. I'm shipping it out to you today. I'll give you a call, Peter.



Chris

Any idea what might have caused this? The same thing just happened to my 3850 12 CB DD clutch with only about 500 miles on it. Kinda sucks driving 35 miles home from work without a functional clutch.