Clutch problems?

[Savir]

2001 Boxster S 6 speed

I have searched the forums, but I couldn't seem to find any posting with the similar issue.

The car had been running normal. The one morning the following happened. When I tried to place the car in gear the shifter wouldn't "click" in place. The shifter felt pretty normal, but I just couldn't seem to get it to stay in gear. When I do push the shifter in gear and hold it there, the car does seem to inch a bit forward like the clutch is just barely catching.

If I turn off the car and press the clutch pedal, I can move the shifter normally, and it seems to stay in place. However, reverse seems a bit off. But I don't know if it is really off or it is just me really paying attention to the movement.

Also, whether the car is on or off the clutch pedal still feels more or less normal. It is possible that the pedal travel might not be as smooth as before, but again, it is difficult for me to compare to how it felt before as I never paid too much attention to it. The pedal is not staying depressed - it moves back up once I lift my foot.

Lastly, the brake fluid reservoir is full.

Any help, suggestions, ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Edited December 12, 2009 by Savir

[DamageINC123]

You may want to check and see if you shift cable has come loose from the transmission housing. There is a bracket on the right side of the clutch housing. You can see this without lifting the car. Take a look and make sure everything is still connected. If the cable slides out of the bracket, it wont allow the gears to fully engage. The bracket I am speaking of is not were the cable connects to the shift rods. Its the bracket that holds the sleeve to the cable. Its mounted on the side of the housing.

[Steve Tinker]

As well as per what Damage says, if its difficult to engage the gear (especially 1st or reverse) either there is air in the clutch hydraulics (master / slave cylinder) or the clutch plates are worn which requires a clutch replacement. Try pumping the clutch pedal a few times before engaging the gear - if it goes in easier, its air in the system.

Bleeding the clutch is a pain as its in a difficult position, but a lot cheaper than a new clutch......