clutch/transmission

psaltee · #1 10-08-2011, 09:47 PM

got a 94' xlt and am having what appears to be a clutch/transmission issue. Seems that the gear shift is difficult to shift at 1st into 2nd and 2nd into third. Is this a linkage issue or a clutch issue?[I] just bought the rig with 166k and it drives fine. When I get in the truck in the morning its hard to shift into first. What am i doing wrong? Do I need a clutch, a linkage adjustment or new transmission fluid?

Appreciate your comments/suggestions.
psaltee

94mtx · #2 10-08-2011, 10:29 PM

There is a reservoir that contains "DOT-3" brake fluid attached to the firewall on the drivers side of the engine compartment, next to the brake booster and the master cylinder.

Remove that cap and the rubber plug that is in there, and see what level the DOT-3 is at.

If it is not at least 75% full, top it off (make sure when u top it off, that it stops bubbling down into the line if it is bubbling at all).

If this reservoir is low at all, you most likely have a leak in your clutch slave cylinder. This is the hydraulic "piston" that disengages your clutch from the flywheel when your foot is depressing the clutch peddle.

The clutch slave cylinder is inside the transmission, and can be seen (and checked for leaks) by removing the bellhousing inspection cover on the transmission (the rubber boot on the drivers side of your bellhousing).

mossyoak03 · #3 10-09-2011, 08:03 AM

more than likely you need a new slave cylinder.

Bwad · #4 10-09-2011, 07:08 PM

My truck had 160k-ish when my slave went out. It's a 97, so same tranny. My guess is that's your problem.

But fill your resevoir first just to check. If it's low it will act the same as the slave going out.

psaltee · #5 10-09-2011, 08:41 PM

There is a reservoir that contains "DOT-3" brake fluid attached to the firewall on the drivers side of the engine compartment, next to the brake booster and the master cylinder.
What does the DOT-3 have to do with the clutch?

If this reservoir is low at all, you most likely have a leak in your clutch slave cylinder. This is the hydraulic "piston" that disengages your clutch from the flywheel when your foot is depressing the clutch peddle.
How can I have a leak in the slave cylinder when I' m checking the brake fluid.

Can you help me make sense out of this since I am not seeing the practicality of brake fluid and clutch slave cylinder.
I appreciate what you are saying it just doesn't make sense to me.

Thanks,
psaltee

pooleo · #6 10-09-2011, 08:56 PM

Hard to shift like its stickey? this could if the PO put gear oil in the trans. I swear by it, but it will make it stiff. Try blipping the throttle when you shift, see if this makes it easier to shift. With engine on, clutch depressed, you should be able to shift from N to 1st then straight on over to R. If it grinds going into R you will need to check your resivor system. You may just need to bleed it, open up the bleed tit and let it run, dont press the clutch at all. Keep an eye up top and keep topping off the resivor. Do this till you have a nice steady stream.

mossyoak03 · #7 10-10-2011, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psaltee

There is a reservoir that contains "DOT-3" brake fluid attached to the firewall on the drivers side of the engine compartment, next to the brake booster and the master cylinder.
What does the DOT-3 have to do with the clutch?

that reservoir is the fluid for your slave cylinder. it uses brake fluid.

psaltee · #8 10-10-2011, 09:02 AM

Appreciate you all helping me understand how this works. Once fixed a shower and a shave are in order. She'll look real spefy(sp).

Thanks again,
psaltee

psaltee · #9 10-10-2011, 09:58 AM

What does a slave cylinder look like? What does it cost to replace?

94mtx · #10 10-10-2011, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psaltee

What does a slave cylinder look like? What does it cost to replace?

If you remove the inspection cover off of the drivers side of your bellhousing, and look inside with a flashlight, it will look like this:

The part is $50-$60, and you will need a thing or two of DOT-3 brake fluid. If you do all the work yourself, that will be your cost.

A shop will charge anywhere from $300 to $600 parts and labor.

pooleo · #11 10-10-2011, 01:47 PM

and if your going to do the slave, you might as well slap in a new clutch.

94mtx · #12 10-10-2011, 01:48 PM

and maybe even a rear main

pooleo · #13 10-10-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94mtx

and maybe even a rear main

this, might as well.

psaltee · #14 10-11-2011, 08:41 AM

In order to do the work how long will it take and what kind of tools am I going to need to get the job done. If I can save $400 - $600 isn't it worth the savings? Granted I'm a rookie at doing such things but at my age what do I have to loose! I'm a grandpa and nothing is to difficult to take on!

psaltee