| Subject: | two repair questions |
| Question: | Hi, Thank you for offering this service. I have a 1997 Eclipse GST. It's been great to me, and for the most part trouble-free. I've recently encountered a clutch problem though. After a long drive (over 30 mins) when I come to a stop, the clutch presses all the way to the bottom and doesn't come back up. I use my toes to bring it back up, but then when I press it again to put the car in gear (any gear) it completely depresses and sticks. I have to do this many times until it engages and I can change gears. Meanwhile if there are cars behind me they have to wait until I"m ready to go. Kind of a pain in the ass. The dealer said the clutch just may need adjustment, not a replacement (which they charge $850). 1. any idea what this could be? 2. do you think I should have the dealer inspect it? 3. if it needs repair/replacement, should I let the dealer do it? attempt it myself (I'm not a total clutz)? or let some cheaper shop do it? any help/recommendation would be great. thank you. Payam |
| Answer: | Payam, Sounds like you have a problem with your slave cylinder. If you're leaking or are low on clutch fluid, your clutch pedal will for sure go to the floor and not come back up. If your slave cylinder is fine, it may be your master cylinder. Recommendation: DO NOT go to the dealership to fix this. They will charge
you an arm and a leg for this. It may even be as simple as bleeding your
clutch lines and spending $5 on fluid. Have this checked by a qualified
local mechanic near you. They will be able to handle this job. If it is
determined that both your master and slave cylinders are fine, you may
have a bad pressure plate or throw-out bearing. That would result in you
getting a whole new clutch put in. Again, don't go to dealership mechanic.
Find yourself a transmission specialist shop near you to have a new clutch
installed. The turbo Eclipses are pretty rough on clutches and its not
uncommon to have it replaced on a car of your age. |