Clutch fluid accumulation

[Peter 996]

This is strange, but the fluid in the clutch resevoir seems to be increasing in volume. It will overflow, simultaeneously with loss of fluid in the engine's hydaulic pump resevoir. This happens slowly. Is there a potential interconnection between thse two systems? Everything seems to function fine, but there is something amiss somewhere. Peter

[Loren]

From the service manual...

Multiple steering operations (manoeuvring) and/or actuating the clutch with the engine switched off change the fluid level in the engine−compartment reservoir! Fluid level rises. In this case, the engine must be run for approx. 20 seconds immediately prior to the fluid level check!

[Peter 996]

Maybe this wasn't clear, but I'm accumulating fluid in the clutch master cylinder resevoir up front in the luggage compartment. It seems to be leaking into the clutch master/slave system from the hydraulic power pump as this fluid gradually diminishes as the master cylinder level goes up. Where could this be happening? What fix? Peter

[Loren]

In a TT the brake fluid and clutch fluid are completely seperate - one can not affect the other.

In a TT the clutch shares hydraulic fluid (Pentosin) with the power steering - so the problem you are seeing could be with either the clutch or power steering system.

Is anyone turning the steering wheel or actuating the clutch while the engine is off? As I mentioned above - this would cause the fluid level to rise (per the service manual).

[Peter 996]

In a TT the brake fluid and clutch fluid are completely seperate - one can not affect the other.

In a TT the clutch shares hydraulic fluid (Pentosin) with the power steering - so the problem you are seeing could be with either the clutch or power steering system.

Is anyone turning the steering wheel or actuating the clutch while the engine is off? As I mentioned above - this would cause the fluid level to rise (per the service manual).

[Peter 996]

In a TT the brake fluid and clutch fluid are completely seperate - one can not affect the other.

In a TT the clutch shares hydraulic fluid (Pentosin) with the power steering - so the problem you are seeing could be with either the clutch or power steering system.

Is anyone turning the steering wheel or actuating the clutch while the engine is off? As I mentioned above - this would cause the fluid level to rise (per the service manual).

[Peter 996]

No, this occurs without any engine off clutch or steering inputs. The owners manual comment about the fluid level rising refers to the hydraulic pump resevoir in the engine compartment, not the clutch master up front in the luggage area I think.

[Loren]

From what I can tell it pretty much has to be a problem in the clutch master cylinder or the accumulator.

[roadsterdoc]

Maybe this wasn't clear, but I'm accumulating fluid in the clutch master cylinder resevoir up front in the luggage compartment. It seems to be leaking into the clutch master/slave system from the hydraulic power pump as this fluid gradually diminishes as the master cylinder level goes up. Where could this be happening? What fix? Peter

Your clutch slave cylinder is going out. The first sign is fluid overflowing from the clutch master resevoir. The p/s fluid level will drop as this happens (yes they are connected). Keep adding Pentosin to the p/s system (engine compartment) and keep the clutch master resevoir (up front) clean/dry until you can get a new slave installed. You can find a new 996TT slave for around $350.

[mmmmm]

If it is only a bad accumulator with a good slave cylinder, will it do the same thing where the pentosin fills up the resovoir in front? My dealer is only trying to replace the accumulator for this problem. I hope, I don't have to take it back to replace the slave in a week or two.

Edited August 17, 2007 by mmmmm

[roadsterdoc]

If it is only a bad accumulator with a good slave cylinder, will it do the same thing where the pentosin fills up the resovoir in front? My dealer is only trying to replace the accumulator for this problem. I hope, I don't have to take it back to replace the slave in a week or two.

Not sure if it will cause that, but it is a lot easier and cheaper to replace the accumulator so it's not a bad plan. If that is the fix, you are done and not out too much $$ at all. Replacing the slave is a whole different matter. The slave alone costs around $350 and the tranny should be dropped to do it so $$$$+ labor.

[dmaffo]

DID YU get it fixed ??? what was the problem with the fluids leaking?

Please do share as my car is doin the same.