1998 SE 4.0L 4x4 AX15 110,000 miles

Hi,

I purchased this vehicle about 2 months ago so I don't really have any info on when this problem began ocurring or the actual milage on the clutch. Anyway the clutch itself seems to be okay (doesn't slip and grabs nicely) but the pedal is significantly harder to push down throughout its entire travel then many other vehicles I have tried. Coinciding with this, the clutch rod pulls out from the firewall if you accidently pull up on the pedal and the plastic clip that held the rod to the clutch pedal broke as well sometime in the past because it was not on there when I got it. (luckily the PO warned me of this right before I drove it home) Anyway I can't help but think these issues are all related. I checked the fluid at the master cylinder and there are no visable leaks and the fluid was good. Has anyone had this happen to them or know if or how this has caused a stiff clutch? I fixed the plastic clip issue with a metal retainer clip and I am careful to not get my foot under the clutch but this is really annoying me and the stiff clutch makes it not all that fun to drive.

Thanks in advance.

 

It sounds like the master cylinder assembly is damaged and should be replaced.

 

x2 on this.

 

Mine just did this two days ago. Master cylinder needs replaced.

 

Yeah even if it doesn't soften up the clutch, it looks like it will resolve the other issues, plus with 110k on what I'll assume are the original hydrolics, it probably won't hurt to get a new pre-bled master and slave assembly on there, i found it at rock auto for under 100 bucks and it looks really easy to bolt up. The only problem is bending over backwards awkwardly to look at the clutch pedal linkage and firewall, i think my back is going to break.

 

I don't think you'll have to, but you can always yank the DS seat & make alot more room.

 

I like mine stiff it sucks in traffic but keeps me from riding the clutch when I have me boots on.