Clutch Failure??

[Thiggy]

Hey All,

I just bought an '01 Ranger XLT 4x4 w/ the 4.0L V6 and 5 speed manual transmission about a month ago.

A couple days ago, it started getting really hard to put into gear, and I cursed myself for not paying attention to the squishy feeling clutch sooner.

After reading the awesome tech library here, I figured A) I probably had some slow leak somewhere I needed to take care of and B) I needed to get the clutch hydraulic lines bled. I took it to a shop, which did this, but they also came back with "Clutch Failure" written on a piece of paper with a $1400 price tag. They didn't really go into what was causing them to think that.

I have a mechanic I trust, as I'm not the most mechanically gifted, and I was going to take it to him to get his opinion, but does this seem reasonable? After the bled the line the truck shifts better than it ever has since I've owned it, and it feels great. I was thinking of just keeping an eye on the fluid level until I can get it in the shop.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

PS- Also, this is my first post, I read up on the "how to get your post answered", I hope I'm doin' it at least sort right.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

its not too big of a job on a 4 cyl 2wd, but with a v6 4x4 you have a front driveshaft, transfercase, and the y pipe to get out of the way before you can start pulling the bolts that hold on the trans.

 

[Heavyfire14]

is it grinding at all? if not u shuld be fine for now.

p.s. welcome to trs

 

[Thiggy]

is it grinding at all? if not u shuld be fine for now.

p.s. welcome to trs

No that's what is so confusing. It's not slipping, grinding, or being problematic in any way. The only symptom that it's ever had was feeling squishy and subsequently not disengaging properly and now that they bled the lines it's working like a champ. I'm gonna keep a close eye on the fluid level.

I think he was just trying to screw me over. Oh well. Thanks for the feedback everyone. Much appreciated.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

My slave developed a leak over the winter but it would only leak when i had to depress the clutch to start it up in the morning and only if it was below 30*f. now that its warmer out (50-60*f) i havent had any problems but i definately dont want to put it off until next winter because pulling a trans in the winter is no fun!

 

[bhawk]

The clutch has not failed given that it is working fine now. They think that your slave is slowly leaking and to remove and replace the slave, they want to nail you with the extra cost and labor to do the whole clutch assembly. Unfortunately, there is alot of labor to remove and replace the slave cylinder as it is concentric and sits around the transmission input shaft, but I would not replace the clutch given that they seem to be fishing for cash.
If your fluid goes down, look very carefully for a leak at the clutch master cylinder. Look inside the truck also, up and the floor mat because I have seen them seep from the seal that is inside the truck.
Replacing a master is much less costly than doing the slave.
Find the video on utube put out by perfection or precision clutch, and ofter referred to in this forum. I will show you that a properly bled and functioning master will exhibit an almost rock hard pedal before you insert the clutch hose into the quick connect coupling at the slave.
Anyway, look at the video to see what the system looks like and how it works. Great video.