Clutch problems

[chris2571]

I bought a 99 solara se 2 months ago with 100k miles on it and up till today had no problems with it. I was on my way to work and noticed the the clutch pedal wasnt springing back as firm as it used to. No big deal, I could still shift fine and made it to work. During my lunch break i went out to check it again and the clutch pedal now was not even fully releasing after i took my foot off. I called my local mechanic to make an appointment for tommarow and hoped I could make it home and not have to call a tow truck. So at the end of my work day i went out started it up and tried to test just how bad this was going to be. I couldnt even put it from neutral into any gear with the clutch pressed all the way to the floor. I shut off the engine and found that i could switch gears easily. So i said screw it i'll put it in 2nd gear with engine off, start it up and hope i can make it home without switching gears. I managed to make it home taking mostly side streets and trying to keep the tach below 5k. Anyway ill find out what the problem is tommarow but in the meantime does anyone have an idea what the problem could be. I really hope this doesnt end up costing me 600 bucks to get my transmission rebuilt.

[that1mexguy]

i think it's really hard to tell what is wrong with it without looking into t (i could be wrong of course) but at 100K, my 1st thought was that you need a new clutch man, they do wear out you know.

[lazyboyz69]

yea man you need a new clutch.... the exact same thing happened to me and i'm at 110k, i couldn't get into gear when i started the car, your clutch is shot.... i put a link up where you can get a new clutch on ebay, just look in the for sale section... when you get your clutch changed make sure to resurface the flywheel and change transmission fluid, it cost me about 500 for the change including parts...like 250 for labor....130 for clutch, 50 bucks for redline transmission fluid, and i got a new clutch master cylinder.... i didn't need it the clutch master cylinder.... and exedy is a really good brand for a clutch.

[chris2571]

I took it in to garage today and really lucked out. Somehow all the fluid for the clutch leaked out or dried up or something. The mechanic filled it up again and bled it and it was good as new. He checked around for any sign of a leak and couldnt find anything. He said the car sitting at the used car lot for several months without being driven might of caused the problem. Didn't cost me a dime. Stupid of me to never even check the fluid level but I honestly didnt know the Solara used a hydraulic clutch.