Malakas

Looking for some wisdom here...

I have a 4S with 47k miles on the original clutch. Since taking a few runs yesterday, my clutch pedal has felt noticably softer.

However, there seems to be no signs of slip. Car is shifting fine, and the top gear acceleration test was negative.

I know it's getting close to replacement time - is this the writing on the wall??

LVDell

When is the last time you bled the system?

ArneeA

If it's not slipping and it's soft, it could be the fluid. You could have air in the brake/clutch fluid or possibly boiled it (unlikely, however).

ivangene

the autocross knocked the cob webs off the parts and they are working more freely now

Malakas

Yeah, I wish. Actually, I kind of like the decreased peddle effort.

Anyway, thanks to all. I'll try bleeding the system - see if that works.

fpb111

You aren't specific is it easier to push? Does it engage lower higher? When I replaced the clutch on my 03 c2 the effort to push it to the floor was lower, all other aspects of operation were the same..
IE: engagement point, where the pedal sat, etc. I have since read that as the clutch wears in a 996 it gets harder to push due to a change in geometry of the fork/throw-out bearing/belhousing pivot point. There was also a recommended retrofit of some of the fork/pivot parts when the clutch is replaced. As I recall the parts were under $50 it was the $1000 labor that would have hurt if I had to pay it. RMS was replaced as one of the PPI items.

LVDell

If you have access to a lift, bleeding the clutch is MUCH easier. It's difficult to get to on stands, not to mention dangerous.

fpena944

I was reading the Renntech procedure on doing this and there was no mention about having to use a lift. Is this really the case? I'm concerned now since I wanted to bleed my brakes and clutch before my DE next month.

LVDell

Need a lift? No. Preferable? Absolutely.

The clutch bleeder is a PITA to get to and it just makes me VERY nervous to be under the car in that position. I tried once with stands (and jacks as a backup) but still had a hell of a time. Heck, if you are in my neck of the woods anytime you are more than welcome to use my lift. We're only 2 hours apart.

Jon996

At least based on my clutch replacement (about 42K or so), I would guess it is not the clutch itself. Mine went fast, with huge slippage on the "3rd gear acceleration" test. It also had a very rough engagement feel at lower gears. I agree it does sound like a fluid issue.

fpena944

I did a search after I wrote the reply and found your thread about bleeding the clutch. This is something I'm going to do next weekend so I may get back to you on the offer. I'll jump under there tonight and see what it is I'm going to be dealing with.

I'm also going to perform my first oil change but from what I've read that should be relatively simple.

To the OP - sorry about the off-topic post!

LVDell

Just let me know. Glad to help anytime.

Malakas

Ok good to know. Pedal force is just reduced... engagement is still smooth. I'll look into finding someone with a lift and bleeding the clutch...

Or maybe its a sign... time to buy a GT3.

ArneeA

Just don't get a GT3 with moisture in the clutch line. You might misconstrue it as a sign to buy a CGT.