Topic: Clutch Problems

[enginethatcould]

I'm having a clutch problem. I can't seem to keep DOT 3 brake fluid in the reservoir. I have a 1993 manuel transmission and  once a week I have to fill it up. Last time I drained my trans fluid it was red (same color as brake fluid) but I use gear oil. Is it possible that the fluid is going in the transmission? I'm not finding it anywhere else. What parts do I need to be able to solve this problem. Thanks for all help and advice.

[Jeffy]

I'm having a clutch problem. I can't seem to keep DOT 3 brake fluid in the reservoir. I have a 1993 manuel transmission and  once a week I have to fill it up. Last time I drained my trans fluid it was red (same color as brake fluid) but I use gear oil. Is it possible that the fluid is going in the transmission? I'm not finding it anywhere else. What parts do I need to be able to solve this problem. Thanks for all help and advice.

You must be new to Jeeps.     The 1987-1993's were prone to internal slave cylinder failure.  Actually, 1993 was a transition year where they tried to fix the problem.  In any case, it's usually a PITA to fix on Pre-94 jeeps since the transmission has to come out.

The master clutch cylinder will connect to the slave which is a completely separate system.  No fluid can ever mix since the clutch lines are outside the transmission.  What you need to do is crawl under the Jeep and look at the bellhousing.  On the 2.5L's there is an inspection slot.  Feel around that opening, if it's wet then you know you have a leaking slave cylinder.  That's pretty much the only place it could be leaking from.

I believe 1993's were a one off year where there slaves are different then the earlier and later models.

[enginethatcould]

Yeah it is the first manuel transmission I haved ever owned. So I will need to start by removing the drive shaft? Thank you so much for the help it is greatly appreciated!

[brokenwrist21]

ok to start, minor correction, 2.5l yj's dont have an internal slace cylinder at least both of mine dont and i have a '92 and a '93. they both have hydraulic throwout bearings. the 4.0l have an external slave cylinder. if you have a 2.5 there are two places you could be loosing fluid, first check the inside and outside of your firewall where the clutch master cylinder mounts. the second you have to crawl underneath the jeep and look at the bellhousing (as stated earlier), and if your throwout bearing is leaking the bottom of your bell housing will be wet with fluid. the throwout bearing is tough to change the whole transmission has to be removed,the master cylinder is easier, two nuts, a cotter pin, and rolled pin in the line and it all comes apart.

[Jeffy]

ok to start, minor correction, 2.5l yj's dont have an internal slace cylinder at least both of mine dont and i have a '92 and a '93. they both have hydraulic throwout bearings. the 4.0l have an external slave cylinder. if you have a 2.5 there are two places you could be loosing fluid, first check the inside and outside of your firewall where the clutch master cylinder mounts. the second you have to crawl underneath the jeep and look at the bellhousing (as stated earlier), and if your throwout bearing is leaking the bottom of your bell housing will be wet with fluid. the throwout bearing is tough to change the whole transmission has to be removed,the master cylinder is easier, two nuts, a cotter pin, and rolled pin in the line and it all comes apart.

Technically it's an internal hydraulic throw out bearing but EVERYONE usually calls it a Slave cylinder anyway.  They used them from 1987-1993.  They only changed to the external setup in 1994.  1993 is the odd year and had a slightly different design then the 92's and earlier.  Some people have retrofitted external slaves instead of the internals but those aren't factory.  This covers 2.5L and 4.0L's.

[Bounty Hunter]

ok to start, minor correction, 2.5l yj's dont have an internal slace cylinder at least both of mine dont and i have a '92 and a '93. they both have hydraulic throwout bearings. the 4.0l have an external slave cylinder.

2.5L and 4.0L have similar clutch setups, and both switched from an internal clutch slave to an external in '94.  '92 and '93 are both internal clutch slave setups on the 2.5L and 4.0L jeeps.

IMO the throwout bearing is simply the bearing that clips onto the clutch fork, and it's the clutch slave that activates the throwout bearing.

You'll have to remove the transmission to replace the internal clutch slave, and it is the best time to replace the clutch and throwout bearing since the tranny is down.

Jeffy, as for the '93, it is the bastard child when it comes to clutch setups.  AFAIK the clutch slave may be similar to '87-'92 but it's the clutch that differs.  What I'm sure of is the '93 carries different clutch kit part numbers than any other jeep.

[Jeffy]

Jeffy, as for the '93, it is the bastard child when it comes to clutch setups.  AFAIK the clutch slave may be similar to '87-'92 but it's the clutch that differs.  What I'm sure of is the '93 carries different clutch kit part numbers than any other jeep.

The reason they changed it was that the early 90's slaves were prone to leaking.  They changed Mfg's in '93.  (My slave went out with only 14K miles on it and because it's a wear item, I had to flip the bill.)