New clutch master & slave - won't bleed

[bongo_52]

Howdy everyone, longtime lurker here.

I have a bone stock '95 22RE, 5spd, 4x4 DLX w/125k miles.

I was having trouble shifting into first from a stop and had to pump the clutch a bit to get it into gear. Wanting to avoid jumping right into a clutch replacement, I went for the easier/cheaper things that might be the problem.

A search of the forum here said that it might be the master or slave clutch cylinders. I got both from NAPA and R&R'd them. When I tried to bleed the system, it initially went well, building up pressure. The slave didn't seem to move as much as it should have, but I thought it was OK.

I tried to go for a test drive, the clutch had no pressure at all, the same symptom as the old master.

I thought I bled it properly. There are no leaks around either the master or slave. Could the rubber hose portion of the system just above the slave have a leak that I can't see?

I'll take any ideas; good, bad or unusual.


Thanks------->Al

'95 DLX, 4x4, 5spd, stock

 

[alteredraptor]

did you have someone help you bleed the systme or did you do it by yourself? and if theres any kind of wetness on your trans or firewall, you have some kind of leak

 

[KLF]

Check the hose on the firewall, passenger side, where it transitions from the steel line to the rubber line. They are known for springing leaks there. Should be a hose about 8" long.

 

[bongo_52]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Alteredraptor: My wife was in the cab working the clutch pedal when I bled the system. She commented on how the pedal didn't feel as firm. Although I didn't see any wetness on the firewall, it could have well been there. I have a slow oil leak that has coated the bottom of the trans and oilpan

KLF: That rubber hose was my next suspect and I ordered one from the dealer ($30!)

Everything flows fine when I leave the bleeder valve open on the slave and pour brake fluid in the master. It just doesn't hold pressure when I pump the pedal. I hope the new hose and another bleeding session does it. I'm not looking forward to having the truck towed to a shop.

-------->Al

'95 DLX, 4x4, 22RE, 5spd, stock

 

[toy4xfun]

check the master cylinder rod it is adjustable. mine was adjusted too far out and would not let my slave disengage all the way. yours might need to be adjusted out.

 

[zombie]

Not to say that your wife made a mistake but I had a friend help me bleed my brakes recently. After fifteen minutes of no pressure no matter where I cracked a line open I suddenly realised that the squeaking I was hearing with him pushing the pedal...was coming from the clutch..... He will never live that down.
I would also suspect the cylinder rod adjustment. Good luck with it.

 

[raydouble]

Was the master bench bled?

 

[bkfj40]

don't rule out a bad slave or master...I've had both from Napa before.

 

[hardontoyotas]

make sure you bench bleed the master cylinder and get pressure there first.

 

[bongo_52]

All - thanks for the great tips. Shortly after my last post, I had it towed to a local transmission shop. They replaced the master and slave, fixing the problem. The techs there always use OEM parts and said they have had many out-of-the-box aftermarket masters and slaves be bad.

I've heard of bench bleeding, but don't know how to do it. I'm sure I'll get a chance to learn, as I'm keeping this truck forever. (unless I get tempted by a clean, low-mileage FJ80...)

Thanks again for the help.

----->Al

95 DLX 5spd, 22RE, bone stock