Clutch drag?

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Discussion

ian_uk1975

Original Poster:

1,189 posts

209 months

Wednesday 13th July 2022
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Mk1 Focus... put the car in reverse, the other day, and couldn't get it out of reverse once I'd finished reversing. Had to stop the engine with the car in gear. With the engine stopped, I could get it out of reverse.

Fast forward a couple of days to the next time I used the car... went to get some petrol (journey of about 2 miles) and the car seemed fine... no issues changing gear. After filling-up, went to a nearby supermarket and, when parking, again the car got stuck in reverse.

So, this has only happened a couple of times, so far, but seems to be limited to reverse gear. Clutch isn't obviously slipping and the pedal feels normal.

No obvious leaks from the clutch master cylinder (no fluid on shoes/pedal/carpet... although I haven't yet got on my back and shone a light up there to have a look). Brake fluid level is at the max mark and hasn't dropped.

What is this most likely to be? The brake fluid is old, but neither brake or clutch pedals feel spongy. Is it possible I need to adjust the master cylinder pushrod? Never encountered clutch drag on a car before.

catman

2,491 posts

182 months

Wednesday 13th July 2022
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What about 1st gear? if that's ok, it sounds more like a gearbox/linkage fault. Does pumping the clutch help?

stevieturbo

17,535 posts

254 months

Wednesday 13th July 2022
quotequote all
It could be a bigger problem, but do the basics first.

New fluid and ensure clutch is fully bled.