Clutch fluid gone.

[AnD3rew]

I have to admit to having been a negligent parent and having never consciously checked the clutch fluid level on my Series 2. Last week the clutch started feeling a bit soft. I checked the fluid and it was basically gone, just a bit of sludge in the bottom of the reservoir. I have owned if for two years and no idea when it was last replaced or even topped up (lesson learnt). I have cleaned out the reservoir and put new fluid in and bled and all is working fine.

The question is, where did the fluid go? I can’t see any signs of leaked inside the footwell, inside the engine bay around the master cylinder or around the slave.

I don’t think the fluid just evaporated on its own so there must be a source of the leak but I can’t see it.

[mgcjag]

Hi...whats your name ..please try to put it with your car model in the signature area.......fluid loss...where could it have gone.......either leaked from seal behind pedal and run down behind and under carpets......or into the resivac tank...or into the servo...there are good detailed diagrams of the brake system showing fluid and vacume systems that will help you understand how it all works.....or on here if you look at similat topics below.....Steve

[AnD3rew]

Hi...whats your name ..please try to put it with your car model in the signature area.......fluid loss...where could it have gone.......either leaked from seal behind pedal and run down behind and under carpets......or into the resivac tank...or into the servo...there are good detailed diagrams of the brake system showing fluid and vacume systems that will help you understand how it all works.....or on here if you look at similat topics below.....Steve

Name is Andrew, thought it was obvious from my user name, but can put it in sig, Thanks I have seen the diagrams, I have looked under the carpets inside there is no sign of leaks, was hoping someone had experienced similar to suggest where to start. I’m not sure I know what bit you are talking about when you say resided tank, this is clutch not brake, I can’t see what you mean by resivac tank?

[mgcjag]

Hi Andrew.....sorry...yes my mistake........just read it as fluid gone........as saw you online so wanted to try to help.....clutch is far simpler......nowhere the fluid could hide.......it can seep through tbe rubber hoses....but to loose it all i dont know.....Steve

[AnD3rew]

Hi Andrew.....sorry...yes my mistake........just read it as fluid gone........as saw you online so wanted to try to help.....clutch is far simpler......nowhere the fluid could hide.......it can seep through tbe rubber hoses....but to loose it all i dont know.....Steve

Thanks Steve, looks like still a mystery. I guess just need to keep my eyes on it for now.

[abowie]

That's what I'd do. If it's not in the footwell or soaking the trim above it it's leaked out somewhere else.

[tim wood]

Of course it could simply be that the clutch slave has failed. Hardly an unknown problem.
Quick look and a grope around should I indicate.

Tim

[AnD3rew]

Of course it could simply be that the clutch slave has failed. Hardly an unknown problem.
Quick look and a grope around should I indicate.

Tim

I had a good look, the body of the slave has a bit of surface rust, but the cap etc all looks intact and I can’t see any moisture or leakage. Now I have filled the fluid and bled the clutch is working fine.