Collapsing clutch pedal

I recently just started driving my 95 again, and the clutch has started acting dumb. Every now and then when I get in the clutch is matted, and I have to pull it back up again. Is that part of the stupid spring they use? Has anyone else had that happen? Air in the line? I have no clue why it does this, I've never seen a clutch pedal compress on its own like this one does.

 

My bet is that you need a new clutch master cylinder (and slave). At least, that was the issue when I had the exact same symptoms on my 2000.

 

Replace the slave cylinder first because it's cheaper. If that fixes the issue, awesome.

If not replace the master cylinder. That will most likely fix it.

Expect to replace both. It's what I ended up doing with my '98 with the same exact issues you describe.

 

Have you checked to see if there is fluid in the master?

Its under the hood.

 

Sub'd for outcome. Same issue here. Can't seem to get everything bled after replacing the master and slave.

 

Sometimes they are pretty rough for some reason. Lots of folks in the Miata world struggled with the same problem.

I found 2 methods that worked well for me.

1) Gravity bleed. Slowwwwww, a bit tedious, but almost always worked the first time.

2) I added a speed bleeder to the slave, then used the traditional 'partner on the pedal' method. Very fast, very efficient, well worth the few bucks.

Something to consider.

 

Thanks Bill. I will have to try the second suggestion. I tried the 1st, but maybe I didn't do it slowly enough.

When you say "speed bleeder", you are referring to the spring check-valve type bleeders, correct?

 

Start with a re-bleed. Then, if the problem comes back (or never goes away), look for fluid on both cylinders AND the lines/connections. That should help give you a clue as to which part is bad.

 

Yessir.

They do make brake work much more pleasurable too.

 

sub'ed for outcome. No trouble yet, but truck is getting some years on it.

 

Mine did this after a having a new clutch put it at the dealer, the clutch would only come up about halfway and I'd have to use my foot to pull it all the way back up after every shift. Annoying as hell. Took it back to them and the system just needed to be bled. That was almost a year ago and now I'm starting to notice that the pedal sticks ever so slightly when cold. Wondering if I'm maybe looking at a new slave soon as well.

 

I have had overlapping problems, but the same symptoms as the OP. I replaced all my clutch pedal bushings as well as the return spring and this helped greatly but did not rectify the problem. I did this first because it was the cheapest and easiest to tackle. 15 bucks, no sweat.

I am at a loss for how hard it has been to bleed my master to slave lines. All the write-ups indicate this should be an easy fix... I am going to try Clearwater Bill's solution and I will bet this nails the problem.

Really, what I am getting at is, OP you may look into your clutch pedal bushings and spring as well... It can't hurt. But, it sounds like you have to replace the slave and master anyway. The bushings and spring were pretty easy to replace, you may give these a shot while you are tearing into things.