Let's play what's that leak? Clutch fluid leak

[MikekiM]

Completely overlooked the clutch fluid in my fluid change cycle. Yesterday I saw a small spot of unknown (clear, odorless, slightly slick) fluid on the floor mat on the drivers side. That far over to the left must be clutch...

Clutch feels normal. Brakes are fine.

Haven't gotten up under the dash to check around yet. Any thoughts as to what fix I am facing with this leak??

Checked the clutch master cylinder reservoir. What's the proper way to service this? Do you fill the rubber cup or remove the cup, fill with reservoir with DOT 3 and the replace the empty cup in the reservoir filled with fluid?

I think the rubber cup is supposed to come out with the cap on the reservoir. Then fill and replace the rubber and cup leaving the cup empty.

Now, about that leak...

 

[red02tj]

I think the rubber cup is supposed to come out with the cap on the reservoir. Then fill and replace the rubber and cup leaving the cup empty.

This…there is a fill line in the master cylinder. When my clutch blew it blew at the firewall, leaked down under my floor mats. May also be leaking down the outside of the firewall. I’d start there.

 

[MikekiM]

This…there is a fill line in the master cylinder. When my clutch blew it blew at the firewall, leaked down under my floor mats. May also be leaking down the outside of the firewall. I’d start there.

For anyone who stumbles across this thread.. the fill line is ON the master cylinder reservoir not IN it. And if you fill to that level, there will be a small amount of overflow when the rubber boot is replaced that MUST be cleaned or it will promptly remove paint on anything it drips on. Fortunately there is enough room under the resevoir to position a small receptacle under it (I used a small Tupperware my wife isn't going to miss) to catch any over flow. Took some shop towels and wrapped it around the neck of the reservoir as well. Zero spillage for me.

No leaks at the reservoir or on the firewall. Just that tiny spot in the pic I posted visible on the drivers side floor mat. I want to get on this asap. Small leaks become big leaks and then become a failure.

Just pulled the rubber cup from the reservoir. Filled to the fill line on the outside of the reservoir and replaced the cup. Cleaned up what little dribble come out.. DOT 3 is crazy caustic stuff. Good to go on the fluid level. Now to hunt down the leak inside the Jeep.

Have to imagine the fluid could use a flush regardless. I never changed it and who knows if the PO ever did.

 

[Andy-WhiteTJ]

For anyone who stumbles across this thread.. the fill line is ON the master cylinder reservoir not IN it. And if you fill to that level, there will be a small amount of overflow when the rubber boot is replaced that MUST be cleaned or it will promptly remove paint on anything it drips on. Fortunately there is enough room under the resevoir to position a small receptacle under it (I used a small Tupperware my wife isn't going to miss) to catch any over flow. Took some shop towels and wrapped it around the neck of the reservoir as well. Zero spillage for me.

No leaks at the reservoir or on the firewall. Just that tiny spot in the pic I posted visible on the drivers side floor mat. I want to get on this asap. Small leaks become big leaks and then become a failure.

Just pulled the rubber cup from the reservoir. Filled to the fill line on the outside of the reservoir and replaced the cup. Cleaned up what little dribble come out.. DOT 3 is crazy caustic stuff. Good to go on the fluid level. Now to hunt down the leak inside the Jeep.

Have to imagine the fluid could use a flush regardless. I never changed it and who knows if the PO ever did.

Might be leaking where the cylinder rod goes into the clutch master cylinder.

 

[Rickyd]

Might be leaking where the cylinder rod goes into the clutch master cylinder.

That is where I'd look. Might need to remove the clutch switch to get a good look but i don't see how it could be anywhere else.

Sounds like a good excuse to replace the whole system

 

[MikekiM]

Sounds like a good excuse to replace the whole system

Ounce of prevention and all that.
I’m with you.