Author Topic: New Clutch doesn't disengage (Read 3121 times)

ck_carnut · « **on:** July 04, 2011, 07:15:12 PM »

Hi all,

I've just completed a clutch replace met on my 91 318is (250k miles), and the clutch won't disengage.

Here's what I've done so far:
-new Sachs kit from Bav Auto, including the release bearing. The disk is in the right way around (checked it twice before I put the trans back in)
-new rear main seal (the reason why the old clutch was slipping)
-hydraulics are original. I just bled them using a mity-vac. Hydraulics were working fine before the new clutch.
-the clutch pedal feels real light, like the slave is not engaging anything.
-pumping the clutch doesn't help.

Short of pulling the trans, which I'd like to avoid unless it's absolutely necessary, how can I narrow down if this is a hydraulic problem or a mechanical one? any way to see if the hydraulics are working properly?

Thanks.

-=Chris

rjcaptsean · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2011, 09:33:37 AM »

How did you come out on this? Was the clutch disc in backward? Did you pull the slave cylinder out and have someone step on the clutch pedal to see if it pushed out?

ck_carnut · « **Reply #2 on:** July 25, 2011, 08:22:24 PM »

Out of frustration I stomped on the pedal rapidly about 20-30 times, and the clutch came back! I think the vacuum bleed pulled the piston away from the release fork. Anyway. it works great now.

-=Chris

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** July 26, 2011, 07:07:29 AM »

I've had trouble with Mity-bleeders in the past, there seem to be too many leaks in the system to bleed it out properly.

I did see a really cool video with a reverse bleeder though...the guy used a old-fashioned squirt oil can with a length of vinyl tubing on the nozzle. It was set up to force fluid through the bleed screw & up to the master. Very effective at removing bubbles.

Nelson_40 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2011, 10:49:35 AM »

This video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdf--suwqw0 I believe.

ck_carnut · « **Reply #5 on:** July 26, 2011, 07:58:30 PM »

I bought an oil can to try the reverse bleeding. The cheap cans I was able to find couldn't pump the fluid up through the system.

The trick I found with the vacuum bleeder is to get some of those spring clamps that are used on underhood vacuum hoses to hold the hose to the bleeder. Worked good.

-=Chris