Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What's Wrong with my Clutch?

[Rebel_Horseman]

Tonight I had to haul butt home (yes the turbo screams at 90 mph). When I was getting on the interstate I noticed my clutch pedal was very soft and the truck was hard to shift. When I finally exited I had to stop the truck for traffic. The clutch was very soft again, and the truck would not go into any gear for anything. I finally turned my truck off, waited till the light was green, shifted into 1st and cranked the truck and went. It felt as if I had no clutch at all. When i got home I noticed the clutch pedal became firmer and the clutch started working semi-correctly. I pulled up, opened the hood, and the fluid was a little low in the reservoir. I added fluid and then drove the truck and the pedal was firm and the truck shifted normally.



I called a mechanic buddy of mine and he said it sounded like either my slave or master cylinder has gone out. Has this happened to anyone else? What had to be replaced and what was the cost of the repair?



Brian [><]

 

[Hackamore]

Brian, I've been there twice! It's the master/slave cylinder assembly. About 230-250 bones at the dealer. I think SBC might have a replacement also, not sure but somebody will let us know. Labor $s, Do it yourself its too easy to pay anybody to do it. Hope this helps... Fabian

 

[AggieJustin]

Anyone know of other viable replacements for the master/slave? I think mine is dying as well, hoping to get it done over my Christmas vacation. Anything so I don't have to pay dealer prices.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Perhaps a search would find the answer....

I seem to remember someone giving a big thumbs up to the NAPA replacement part.



Sounds like the oil got hot!

 

[DSteinel]

Call Enterprise engine, They modified one for a 97 it is supposed to be alot better than the ones we have. and put it on my truck last spring. Seems to be working ok so far, this snowplow season will tell me for sure. Cant remember the price but I don't think with labor it was more than 350 or 375.

 

[Bob Wagner]

good thread to read

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17829&highlight=Napa

 

[Rebel_Horseman]

Update

Well, after reading all the posts and related info, I went to NAPA this afternoon and purchased a new slave cylinder and spent the afternoon replacing it (including throwing tools and screaming and scaring little children with the profanity). A mechanic friend of mine came over and helped after he got off of work, and we finally got the thing bled as best we could. The clutch pedal still feels soft but the truck drives OK. I'll have a final decision tomorrow after work. We've come to the conclusion that if this doesn't do the trick we are going to have to go into the trannie because we feel the throw-out bearing has gone out. I'm hoping (praying) that this solves my dilemma, but if not then a new clutch and all the internal related goodies are going to be installed. Was really hoping to hold off on it until I could get caught up on bills and after the holidays. Wish me luck fellas.



Brian [><]