vr6 clutch problem ????

[ukvr6]

hello i need some help i was driveing my 1994 vr6 yesterday and the clutch went took it out of 5th gear and could not engage it i waited about 2 secs and then it came back the clutch was working again but ever sinse then it is very weird the biteing point is right at the bottom which points to a new clutch but is very very spongey just wondering if any body knows whats going on with it i have checked the clutch fluid well i think i have and it is full any one help please !!!!!!!! cheers

[golfvr6]

Sounds like a problem with the hydraulic system, probably the slave cylinder.
Try bleeding the slave cylinder first.
Is there any resistance in the clutch pedal?

[ukvr6]

yes there is ressistance but not alot the pedal is so soft and spongey and the biteing point is right at the bottom of the pedal whats the best way to bleed the system off ? oh and does the clutch share the brake fluid tanks as i can only see one for the brakes and power steering cheers

[golfvr6]

Yep, the brakes and clutch share the same fluid.
There is a bleed nipple on the slave cylinder, which is on top of the gearbox.
Bleed it exactly the same way as bleeding the brakes.

[ukvr6]

never bleeded the brakes befor can you tell me how please as i dont want to f##k it up cheers

[golfvr6]

The best way to do it is to buy a pressure bleed kit from Halfords, or most motor accessory shop will do one.
Fill the bottle with brake fluid, connect it to the brake fluid reservoir, connect to the spare tyre, and simply open the bleed nipple. This will stop any air getting back in as the fluid will come out under pressure. Full instructions should come with the kit.
Alternatively get a mate to help you, put a see through tube over the clutch slave cylinder nipple, open it while your mate pushes down on the clutch pedal, when the pedal is at the floor, close the nipple. Repeat until all air bubbles have come out.
If you are not confident in doing it, then it might be worth getting someone else to do it.
Are you anywhere near Surrey?

[ukvr6]

ok will try tomorow with me dad hes done it loads of times befor if i get the air out and the clutch is still the same what could it be then ?

[golfvr6]

If it is still spongey then one of the seals has gone, either slave cylinder or master cylinder.
If you need to, change the slave cylinder first, as i think this is cheaper.

[ukvr6]

why arnt the brakes affected then as they share the same fluid ?

[golfvr6]

The brakes will not be affected as the clutch is on a separate circuit. There is a feed off the actual reservoir that goes to clutch master cylinder.