Sticky clutch pedal
Q
My daughters 2004 Fiat Panda 1.2 petrol had a new clutch fitted two years ago – it has done about 5000 miles since. The clutch pedal sticks to the floor intermittently and it is doing it whilst driving as well.
I’ve checked the pedal pivots and return spring and lubricated them. Checked slave and master cylinders – no leaks – and lubricated the push rods. Fluid is at max and looks clean. The local garage have looked and can’t see anything obvious. I’m stuck, are you aware of any common faults with the Panda? I will bleed the system in case it’s air, but I am doubtful. What concerns me is that it could be the release bearing or clutch fork.
I don’t really want to start changing cylinders on a whim but I don’t know where to go from here. My daughter needs the car but is obviously worried about driving it especially on A-roads. Any pointers you can offer gratefully received.
David Bennet
A
The most common reason for the clutch pedal sticking down on a hydraulic clutch system, is that the pressure from the clutch plate which should be pushing against the release bearing is not being felt by the clutch master cylinder and returning it to the up position.
Many clutch pedals do have a spring attached and this on occasions can overthrow when the pedal is fully depressed and actually hold the clutch pedal down when the return pressure is low. Lifting the pedal back up with your foot will often rectify the situation, restoring the clutch operation.
As you have checked the pivots and ensured that they are all free, then the next step would be as you intend to do, to bleed out the clutch. If this does not remedy the problem, then It may be the master cylinder drawing in air during the operation. This is not always easy to diagnose, as after a couple of uses of the clutch, this can then be disbursed again.
I would not expect it to be the release bearing or fork pivot, as this would normally be something that is easily checked, but It is of course possible.