Clutch Issue
04-06-2021, 06:37 AM
Post: #1
Clutch Issue
Hi all!

So I recently purchased a 1985 GTS, and the clutch pedal is very, very wrong.

It currently has absolutely zero resistance. I filled the clutch reservoir, and after every pump, the level went to the appropriate place; yet the clutch pedal feel remained the same. It feels as if there is no clutch at all.


Let me know what you guys think, as any help would be appreciated!

I'll start a thread showing the build process as well very soon, so be on the lookout for that.


Thanks all!

1985 GTS Corolla
1958 VW Beetle
1972 VW Bus
A lot of German Stuff...
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04-06-2021, 12:29 PM
Post: #2
Clutch Issue
Hi welcome!
Can you go through your exact process for filling the reservoir, was it completely empty before you filled it?

An analogue brain in a digital World
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04-06-2021, 01:26 PM
Post: #3
Clutch Issue
There is a bleed nipple on the slave cylinder that you will need to use, to bleed the air out of the system. It's a two man job, one person plus on the clutch pedal and a 2nd, cracking the bleed nipple, after pumping the clutch. You should be able to find a you tube example on bleeding the clutch or brake system. If the system was empty you will probably find that either master or slave cylinder will have to be rebuilt or replaced.
Check of leaks while bleeding. Dave W
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04-06-2021, 01:28 PM
Post: #4
Clutch Issue
Assuming there are no leaks, is the clutch return spring ok?
Most of the resistance from the clutch comes from the spring I'm guessing.

FABRICA MI DIEM, PVNC!
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04-07-2021, 10:30 PM
Post: #5
Clutch Issue
Thanks all. I'm currently working on my brakes at the moment, but I'll give it a good look here soon. I'll keep you guys updated!

1985 GTS Corolla
1958 VW Beetle
1972 VW Bus
A lot of German Stuff...
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04-09-2021, 07:13 PM
Post: #6
Clutch Issue
UPDATE!!!!


Just gave the old slave cylinder a tap and bled it, and now the clutch works fine! Sitting for quite a minute will certainly freeze up an original one like that. I do have a new one on hand, and I will be replacing it this evening.

Thank you Ivan for pointing out the return spring, as it was also disconnected. Pedal has good feel and engages nicely!

1985 GTS Corolla
1958 VW Beetle
1972 VW Bus
A lot of German Stuff...
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04-09-2021, 07:16 PM
Post: #7
Clutch Issue
If the original cylinder is still installed then I recommend replacing it soon. Those cylinders are a common point of failure, but then isn't everything on an 86.
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04-09-2021, 07:17 PM (This post was last modified: 04-09-2021 07:19 PM by Deaty.)
Post: #8
Clutch Issue
(04-09-2021 07:16 PM)Power_uP Wrote:  If the original cylinder is still installed then I recommend replacing it soon. Those cylinders are a common point of failure, but then isn't everything on an 86.

Very, very true. I picked a new one up yesterday. Believe me, it was a very crusty, rusty unit!

(04-09-2021 07:16 PM)Power_uP Wrote:  If the original cylinder is still installed then I recommend replacing it soon. Those cylinders are a common point of failure, but then isn't everything on an 86.

I'll be creating a thread for my GTS build soon, just so you guys can see it. Everything still works on it, minus a faulty fuel pump and some brake issues. All of the electronics work, but I'll be going through it to ensure it stays that way. The 4AGEC runs pretty good, and I've got all 5 gears and reverse. Definitely a project!

1985 GTS Corolla
1958 VW Beetle
1972 VW Bus
A lot of German Stuff...
Find all posts by this user
04-09-2021, 10:26 PM
Post: #9
Clutch Issue
(04-09-2021 07:17 PM)Deaty Wrote:  
(04-09-2021 07:16 PM)Power_uP Wrote:  If the original cylinder is still installed then I recommend replacing it soon. Those cylinders are a common point of failure, but then isn't everything on an 86.

Very, very true. I picked a new one up yesterday. Believe me, it was a very crusty, rusty unit!

(04-09-2021 07:16 PM)Power_uP Wrote:  If the original cylinder is still installed then I recommend replacing it soon. Those cylinders are a common point of failure, but then isn't everything on an 86.

I'll be creating a thread for my GTS build soon, just so you guys can see it. Everything still works on it, minus a faulty fuel pump and some brake issues. All of the electronics work, but I'll be going through it to ensure it stays that way. The 4AGEC runs pretty good, and I've got all 5 gears and reverse. Definitely a project!

Sounds like fun, good luck!
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