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  #1  
Old 03-12-2013, 11:02 PM
joannamay joannamay is offline
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Unhappy clutch went KAPUT. what do I do?

Hey all, new member here. I have a "99 Ranger, manual tranny, 4 cylinder, extended cab, 6 ft. bed. it was given to me by a friend (who got it used), and I'm not sure all what was done/fixed on it previously. It's always had a little "tic" going into 3rd, and sometimes 1st was a little sticky. However, this morning I had some trouble getting it into 1st, and the clutch felt really stiff, and then this evening, it just wouldn't shift AT ALL. It'll shift when the engine is off, but when the engine is on, it seems like the clutch won't disengage.

I had it towed home from (not) getting to work, and then was able to get it into first, then second (roughly), and drive it into the parking lot, however, I tried to reverse, and it wouldn't go at all at first, then when I did get it to go a little, it made that awful grinding noise that you get when you don't put the clutch in all the way on accident.

it really, really sucks. Any helpful hints?

I looked up various things about Rangers (how I stumbled onto the FRF), but I am not sure what the problem is. Likely things seem to be clutch fluid and needing to bleed the line, slave cylinder going out, master cylinder going out.
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  #2  
Old 03-12-2013, 11:09 PM
doshus doshus is offline
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Default Re: clutch went KAPUT. what do I do?

You're right. It sounds like air in the hydraulic clutch line. Don't fret! Get a friend to pump the clutch 3 times and hold it. Then open the bleeder screw just above the line and let the air purge. Repeat as necessary while checking and replacing clutch fluid (dot 3 brake fluid). Don't overtighten this screw!!!!! If this helps but doesn't fix the problem you will probably need to replace the slave and clutch. It is recommended to replace the clutch if it's old and you put a new cylinder in. I think there are 6 bolts holding the transmission in and 3 holding the starter. Anyhoo you can fix this!!!
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Old 03-14-2013, 09:41 AM
joannamay joannamay is offline
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Default Re: clutch went KAPUT. what do I do?

Hi there! Thanks so much for the advice, I really appreciate it. My handy-man/car repair guy neighbor took a look at it this morning, and tried bleeding the line, to no avail. He's positive it's in the main cylinder, but it could be the slave cylinder. I might have him fix it for me, or sell it to someone who wants a fixer-upper....

Thanks again!
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  #4  
Old 03-15-2013, 12:50 PM
doshus doshus is offline
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Default Re: clutch went KAPUT. what do I do?

I missed the part where you said the clutch felt really stiff...It probably is your main clutch cylinder. It's only held in by two bolts on the firewall. If you replace it be careful as it is plastic. I would say try that before selling it. You can even find one cheap for $15 at a pull-a-part junkyard possibly with a return warranty. Good luck!!!!!
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Old 03-15-2013, 01:01 PM
vista4.0 vista4.0 is offline
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Default Re: clutch went KAPUT. what do I do?

Sound like air in the master cylinder. You need to disconnect it from the pedal and pull it through the firewall into the wheel-well. Once you do that you can hold the cylinder upright with the rod facing the ground. Pump it with your hand 20-30 times. After you do that pump and hold and have some body crack the bleeder on the slave. Repeat when the master is nice and tight. Reinstall everything and check operation. Works for me everytime. Rangers hydraulic system are a pain to bleed. If that does not work it would be time to replace clutch/slave/master.
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Old 03-15-2013, 01:32 PM
doshus doshus is offline
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Default Re: clutch went KAPUT. what do I do?

Agreed. I have heard of doing this on youtube.

I just don't understand the stiff pedal unless maybe the piston is seizing in the master cylinder. Usually air makes it gummy.
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Old 04-15-2013, 10:53 PM
rejracer rejracer is offline
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Default Re: clutch went KAPUT. what do I do?

Quote:
Originally Posted by doshus View Post
I just don't understand the stiff pedal unless maybe the piston is seizing in the master cylinder. Usually air makes it gummy.
The point the presenter was making is that when the air is out of the system the pedal will be stiff. Recall that the pedal test was done before the high pressure line was connected to the slave cylinder.
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  #8  
Old 04-16-2013, 10:18 AM
4x4ranger99 4x4ranger99 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vista4.0 View Post
Sound like air in the master cylinder. You need to disconnect it from the pedal and pull it through the firewall into the wheel-well. Once you do that you can hold the cylinder upright with the rod facing the ground. Pump it with your hand 20-30 times. After you do that pump and hold and have some body crack the bleeder on the slave. Repeat when the master is nice and tight. Reinstall everything and check operation. Works for me everytime. Rangers hydraulic system are a pain to bleed. If that does not work it would be time to replace clutch/slave/master.
Do this^ he's exactly right an it might help or it might not. I did this one day cause there was air in my clutch like and then when I went to publix my slave blew out. Had to drive home with NO clutch whatsoever. Not fun or good for a truck. If you have to replace the clutch it's not that bad just find someone with a transmission jack.

----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by doshus View Post
Agreed. I have heard of doing this on youtube. Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgNTDGwcjZc

I just don't understand the stiff pedal unless maybe the piston is seizing in the master cylinder. Usually air makes it gummy.
Stuff pedal is the release valve in the clutch line. There might be dirt or something in there making it malfunction. My best friends ranger had a similar problem and we fixed it immediately by disconnecting it and cleaning it really well.

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Quote:
Originally Posted by rejracer View Post

The point the presenter was making is that when the air is out of the system the pedal will be stiff. Recall that the pedal test was done before the high pressure line was connected to the slave cylinder.
I think he was referring to the OP's original post when his clutch pedal became stiff.
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clutch, gears, manual transmission, reverse, seizing up

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