Table of content
19 June 2024 Clutch pedal sticking: what to do if your clutch is stuck down to the floor and won't go into gear
If the clutch pedal isn’t returning to its original position or is stuck down to the floor when you press it, it's likely that there’s an underlying issue with the clutch itself. The usual culprit in most cases is a loose, damaged, or stretched cable, causing a disconnection between the clutch fork and pedal, however, there are a number of other possible causes.
Why is your clutch pedal stuck down?
A sticky pedal is often a sign that there is an issue with the clutch’s hydraulic pressure or a faulty cable or bearing that needs replacing. Whatever the case, If your clutch pedal is sticking to the floor, you’ ll need to get the car towed to a garage or take it off the road until it’s fixed. Check out the causes below.
Article number: 600 0017 00
£ 306,42
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 837522
£ 358,85
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: C 06 007
£ 22,03
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-56%
SACHS Clutch kit
with central slave cylinder, with clutch pressure plate, with dual-mass flywheel, with flywheel screws, with pressure plate screws, with clutch disc, 240mm
Article number: 2290 601 060
compared to
RRP
£ 1124,39
£ 492,30
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
LuK Clutch kit
with clutch release bearing, with flywheel, with screw set
Article number: 601 0021 00
£ 209,71
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Loose or broken clutch cable
In systems where the clutch is actuated by a braided cable instead of hydraulic fluid, the cable links the pedal to the fork and the rest of the mechanism. Over time, it gets worn down and stretches, and can eventually snap.This will cause the pedal to drop.
Low clutch fluid
In a hydraulic system, the fluid is needed to create enough pressure to actuate the car clutch components when you press the pedal. If the clutch is stuck to the floor, there may not be enough fluid due to a leak, and the pedal may feel spongy.
Damaged clutch release bearing
A sticky clutch could also be the result of a worn release bearing, a.k.a throw-out bearing. This typically happens gradually with the pedal slowly becoming stiffer. Other signs the bearing has gone bad include a grinding or rattling sound when the pedal is pressed and a slipping clutch.
Defective slave cylinder
The car slave cylinder receives the hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder and its piston causes the mechanism to disengage. If it is faulty, your clutch pedal may be sticking on the way up or biting differently, and you may notice an oil leak underneath your car.
Faulty master cylinder
The master cylinder is responsible for pressurising the fluid and forcing it through the clutch system. Without it, it won’t be possible to disengage the clutch or change gears. The pedal may sink right down or have no resistance when pressed. You may also notice that the fluid is too low or a dark burnt colour.
Clutch fluid leaks
Leaks are often caused by worn seals, cracked hoses, or damaged hydraulic cylinders. Check beneath the car for pools of oil.
Article number: 623 3317 33
£ 222,39
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
LuK Clutch kit
with central slave cylinder, without pilot bearing, with flywheel, with screw set, Dual-mass flywheel without friction control plate, with automatic adjustment
Article number: 600 0295 00
£ 391,26
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 622 3096 33
£ 93,27
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
LuK Clutch kit
with central slave cylinder, with flywheel, with screw set, with automatic adjustment
Article number: 600 0308 00
£ 549,00
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-66%
SACHS Clutch kit
190mm
Article number: 3000 990 214
compared to
RRP
£ 300,85
£ 101,75
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
What to do if your clutch pedal stuck to the floor
If your clutch pedal gets stuck, you should pull over in a safe place and get your car towed to the nearest garage or place where it can be repaired. If you’re handy with repairs yourself or have a friend who’s a mechanic, you may be able to save on repair costs, otherwise, it is a job best left to the professionals. In addition to the hydraulics or cable, make sure to check the bearings, springs and clutch plates to rule out other causes.
Is it safe to drive with a sticky clutch?
Under no circumstances should you continue driving the car if the clutch pedal or mechanism is stuck or not working as it should be. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and to stall while driving, potentially endangering other road users. It could also do more damage to the clutch.
FAQ
- What does it mean when your clutch pedal stays down?
If the clutch pedal isn’t coming back up, it usually suggests that there’s a fault in the hydraulic system causing a loss of pressure, or that the cable has gone bad.
- Why is my clutch pedal not coming back up?
The cable may be worn or there may be a leak or air in the hydraulic system. Moreover, sometimes the cylinders, return spring, or clutch fork are worn or damaged.
- How do you get a stuck clutch unstuck?
You may be able to get it unstuck by adjusting the pedal, replacing damaged parts, or changing the clutch fluid.
- What causes a clutch pedal to drop?
This is often caused by a faulty master or slave cylinder or leaks in the hydraulic system. It can also occur due to a worn-out cable or mechanical issues.
Top products related to this topic:
