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Hi-

I just got a 300D, I went to start it today and the clutch went straight to the floor. The engine was still turning over. This happened to me once before in a saab. I thnk that it is the clutch cable. I want to fix it myself and was just wondering if anyone had any advise????

thanks

bennylo,

I believe you have a hydraulically actuated clutch, which means there is no clutch cable. Let us know what model 300D you have, but the chances are, if it has a manual transmission it is not cable actuated.

It is more likely you have a fluid leak. Look at the rear section of the brake fluid reservoir and see if it is empty. This part of the reservoir also provides the fluid for the clutch. The fix is usually to find the leak and that is usually one or both of the hydraulic cylinders. One is mounted on the transmission or bell housing and the other is just forward of the brake pedal mechanism. If the one on the inside of the car is leaking you have to take out the rugs and clean the area with water. Brake fluid can remove the preservative coating on the metal, and set you up for rust problems if you leave the area without a suitable protection.

When this happens it is because the fluid has absorbed water and is corroding the cylinder surfaces, which leads to abrading the O-ring seals. I would replace both of them and flush the system thoroughly.

But, there are other mechanisms to cause the clutch to act as you are experiencing. Be sure you have a fluid leak before going into a fluid system repair. Good luck and I hope this helps. Jim

bennlo,

You can also rebuild the clutch master and slave cylinders. Kits are available and you need a small brake hone. The procedure is the same as rebuilding drum brake cylinders and brake master cylinders.

When you put everything back together, you have to refill and bleed the system. You do this by hooking a hose from the bleed screw on the left front wheel to the slave cylinder and pumping the brake pedal. This will force fluid into the clutch hydraulic system and push the air out.

P E H