My clutch has been squeaking for a little while now, and it's gotten to the point were it is audible outside of the car. I thought it was just the springs, but upon closer inspection the noise is coming from the engine side of the firewall, not by the pedal.
I looked down there and inspected the clutch master cylinder, and it is not really leaking, but there is some fluid on the surface of the boot, and it looks like there is also a small tear in the boot. I'm thinking that is not normal.
Is that probably where my squeak is coming from, even though it is signifigantly quieter from under the dash area versus standing outside near the engine?

EDIT: Forgot to say that it only makes noise when the pedal moves, going in or out, not just driving around. <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" />

Thanks in advance for any help.

BTW I haven't noticed any change in clutch operation.

Conor

 

Are you still on the original clutch? When my clutch went out, about an inch of the gripping material was hanging off the disc and it was causing a squeak. My clutch was obviously bad though, so if you're not having any problems with it, it could be that you're not getting enough throw and the disc is still touching either the flywheel or pressure plate. I'd try bleeding first, then replace hydraulics.

 

I just realized I didn't mention that it only squeaks when I push the pedal in. Like if it was a spring or something, only noise when the pedal is moving.

 

There's a chance it's the pivot on the pedal. Stick your head down there and move the pedal a bit. You should be able to pinpoint the noise that way - and lube it away.

HTH!

 

I did stick my head down there, but unfortunatly there's not really any noise down by the pedals. It's definitely from the engine side.

 

bump

 

Conor - If the master cyl boot is wet and torn it's probably a good indication that you DO have a leak. The squeak may be metal to metal of the piston rubbing on the inside of the cylinder from the piston seal being worn down.

How old is the master cyl? With rubber seals time is as much the enemy as use.

Sounds to me like you may be due for a new one. The haynes 944 manual shows how to do a rebuild (Not sure if the 924 manual shows the same) it's pretty simple, but I don't know anybody who ever does it. Everyone I know just replaces it.

BTW - How'd the tensioning go? Everything work out OK?

 

Replacing is probably the best bet. The hydraulics parts don't really cost that much. Make sure if your hose is worn you replace that too, and don't break the nipple off the brake fluid reservoir like I did.

 

I think I will just go ahead and replace the master cylinder. I don't know how old it is, but the slave was replaced 2 years ago. Thanks for the advice.

The tensioning went pretty good, it took me awhile but I got it figured out. Should go quickly next time!

Conor