96 Ranger Clutch problems?

[Mattheww31]

I'm trying to figure out what may be wrong with my truck...

Symptoms: Most of the time I can't get the truck to go into any gear without turning the truck off and starting it in gear first. Once I start driving, it will shift (with a little more effort than normal) but after driving for a bit and need to downshift (at a red light) I have to stop, turn the engine off and crank back off in gear again.

I have plenty of pedal and it doesn't pull with the pedal depressed, but I do hear some chirping noises. I'm not sure if the chirping noises are coming from the clutch or not...

The only thing I've done is replace the transmission fluid with synthetic Mobil 1. The old fluid was really dirty and I was hoping that would fix it, but it didn't.

I'm hoping it's the Master Cylinder since I can do that myself. If it's anything else, I'll probably need a mechanic to work on it since I've never rebuilt a clutch before.

Thanks for any ideas, Matt.

 

[RonD]

It does read like slave is not getting enough travel, assuming transmission shifts OK with engine off.

If the chirping noise is only with clutch pedal depressed then that would be your throwout bearing.

I would first check the clutch fluid reservoir, if it is low or dry, then rebleeding slave cylinder might get you some pedal back.

Master would be a long shot, but not a 0 shot.

Here is an article on bleeding clutch:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/bleedclutch.shtml

 

[JayGeePee]

Check your reservoir fluid level. It should be on the drivers side next to the main fuse panel box. If it's low you may have a leak. But a leak doesn't necessarily have to be your slave cylinder. I can be your clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder or your high pressure line fittings. Before we get into all that though, bleed your clutch.

Remember you don't pump these clutches. Put some fluid in the reservoir and loosen the bleeder screw. Run fluid through it until you don't see air bubbles now more. Similar to brakes, but without the pumping.

If it starts doing it again, look for leaks and trouble shoot.