Clutch Gave out today

[Alero_1986]

I was leaving the parts store today and my clutch pedal went soft and went to the floor. I checked the fluid and noticed that it was low, thick and muddy.
Lucky for me I was already at the parts store. I purchased more fluid, topped up the reservoir, and manually bleed it in the parking lot.(As a temporary fix). That gave me enough to get home(3 min drive).

It's late now so I likely won't look at it tomorrow. I know I will have to do a full bleed. I was just wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue? where would be the first place to check for a leak? Master Cylinder?

Also, off topic for this forum, but does anyone know what would cause a turn signal to blink rapidly if all bulbs are fine? blinker switch?

I have a list of things to do for my winter break :(



To Do list:
1) Fix clutch fluid leak
2) Fix signal
3) Repair pealing dash
4) Repair and paint bumper cover(friend drove into)
5) Get estimate for rust forming on driver and passenger side rear(above skirt)
7) Tires
6) Audio (if there's any cash left:( )
7) Brakes

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

I'd get the brakes fixed ahead of all the cosmetic stuff...unless you're doing typical maintenance...pads just running LOW, but not GONE. lol

[Alero_1986]

I checked the brakes a couple weeks ago. They have better than 40% left on them. The dealer I bought the car from put terrible brakes on just to pass safety. I bought the R1 Concept Rotors. I plan to do my brakes in the spring though. That gives me time to pick out some pads too :)

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

the ceramic pads from pfyc.com are awesome.

[Alero_1986]

the ceramic pads from pfyc.com are awesome.

I'll have to check those out then. I was also debating trying out some organic/kevlar pads.

...who needs brakes when the car is immobile anyway :drink:

going to check it out now

[Alero_1986]

I think its the slave cylinder :( which is internal on the getrag..

..looks like I will need to drop the tranny. I have 115k Km on what I assume is the original clutch. It was not ready for replacement yet, but I think there are kits that come with the new slave. And it's going to be a hassle to go through this all over when I need a clutch. :dry: I'd put a lightweight flywheel in, but cash flow isn't in my favor (unless anyone has cheap parts) :)

opinions?

[Alero_1986]

Dropped the tranny today. Wow is that ever a job just to replace the slave cylinder!!

I just ordered an econo/OEM type clutch. I had planned to run boost someday, but I won't have the funds for that until I am finished school. Wish I could have picked up a lightweight flywheel ahead of time though :(

Old clutch had tons of life left in it, but the new clutch should last me until I get another car.

Gotta get the flywheel resurfaced tomorrow. And wait for parts to arrive.

[Alero_1986]

Everything is back together and works great! Breaking in the new clutch now.

While I was under the car, I noticed the front passenger side brake line was starting to rot out. so I was debating the need to replace it...

Further along when I was hoisting the tranny back in I just barely caught the same brake line. It burst! :( I guess that was an act of God.
I had some trouble finding the right tread adapter to tread into the Brake Module. But it's all back together now, and working great :)

I decided to re-paint the sub frame since it had to come out anyway. Also painted the Front Brake calipers, and the outer tie-rods.

[Alero_1986]

Update with pics for those interested :)

Painted sub frame since it was out

[Alero_1986]

and More...

Painter Calipers while I was waiting for parts.

[Alero_1986]

They look Orange from the pics, but they're Red. My camera isn't the greatest. :)

[spyhunter]

did you sand down the subframe where all that surface rust is before you painted?

Your area must be treacherous towards cars, my subframe looks nowhere near that condition.

[Alero_1986]

yup. Brushed and sanded well before paint.

I think the pictures make it look worse than it was. Either way it looks nicer now. :)

[Alero_1986]

The guys on J-body found a way to remove the tranny without removing the subframe. They were able to accomplish this by grinding off a small section of the subframe that did not compromise it's integrity. However this is not the case with N-Body. It had to come out. :(

I figured a new coat of paint would make me feel a little better about it!

[Cliff8928]

That would've been an opportune time to do a sway bar upgrade!

[Alero_1986]

That would've been an opportune time to do a sway bar upgrade!


I know :( ...I was thinking that as I had it out. :cry:

If I had the cash I definitely would have gone that route. Would have also been an opportune time for a lightweight flywheel among other upgrades. It will never be as easy to replace. Ah well might be a fun future project. I had to stick with priorities on this one.

[leoalero]

nice job how much time did it take to complete it??

[Vinalero]

did you sand down the subframe where all that surface rust is before you painted?

Your area must be treacherous towards cars, my subframe looks nowhere near that condition.

haha Winter salt is bad for cars. I think my subframe is worst than that.


Good job on the swap dude, its just sad that all was out and no upgrade could be done :(

[Nate's Alero]

Lol my subframe is in a damn good comdition

[meadus101]

Mine is completely brown.

It's unavoidable here.