!!! HELP!!! 960KG, GATOS.anyone with knowledge.. no clutch
 

hi,i own a volvo v40 1.9 td estate 2003....not so long ago i changed my brake fluid as it looked gungy(followed advice on this forum):thumbs_up:....so i did that and everything seemed fine.ran the car here there everywhere.then suddenly went to move the car off the drive,put it into gear and the car jumped forward,and then nothing from the clutch pedal.(no pressure)so got out of the car and noticed underneath the middle of the engine what smells like brake fuid coming out of what seems like the gearbox:... ive lost about 6 cap fulls of fluid....any clues if i can fix this myself without using a garage:money:the car gave no indication that the clutch was going(if that)i am hoping its something to do with me replacing the brake fluid....am i right in thinking the brake and clutch fluid are one...was i supposed to bleed the clutch aswell....if so where do i bleed it...have i blown a seal......neanderthal

Try to follow the hose going from your Brake Fluid container/Master Cylinder to the Slave cylinder which is located inside the gearbox. See if there the hose has burst and it is leaking. If not, then possibly the Slave Cylinder

Try and bleed the clutch, it uses the same system as the brakes, if you look in front of your gearbox you will see a small nipple on a black piece of plastic that disappears into your gearbox.

Gary

Does it leak from here?

Second photo is the inside bit of the gearbox

hi gatos, thanks for your reply and the photos.....it has been definately leaking from the first photo....but the fluid that came out of the car earlier was coming from the where the gear box is bolted to the engine....does that make sense...please note i have not taken anything apart....gearbox etc......siamblue i am going to bleed the clutch tomorrow,but i am assuming this would only be temporary,and the fluid would leak again

Ig you see the second photo, you will see the slave cylinder. It is my humble opinion that this is the cause of your problem. Not very good as the gearbox needs to be removed. You may also have problems if brake fluid has gone to the release bearing and the clutch/pressure plate. Before you go ahead with costly repairs, double check for a leak where the hose connects to the slave cylinder. Have someone press the clutch pedal once and see if you spot the leak there

as for that leak, it might come from that bearing in second picture, there is a pipe that connects that thing in the first picture to that bearing on second (which applies pressure to the clutch allowing to change the gears)


Reading through the text second time, seems to me that there might be a break or damage to that plastic piece in the first picture, check for any cracks or leaks around it.

thanks gatos.if i am lucky enough to have a leak where the hose leads to the slave cylinder.would you know what the name of the part is i should be asking for,and should i go to my main dealer for it.is the part easy enough to remove(novice)....and what are the chances of two novices(the chuckle brothers) tackling a job like removing the gearbox.or is there a risk in trying this......could i clean a clutch or is it capput once it has been contaminated...it sounds like a garage is going to be too expensive...thanks........thanks biotoxic i will definately be checking for any leaks before we or anyone else attempts the gearbox....what a very helpful forum

Watching footie. Will answer in 15 minutes

Here is what VADIS has. Also some of my own pictures of how to remove it. Apologies for the picture quality but my camera is malfunctioning atm

Use a flat screwdrivers or the tip of a penknife to pop out the retaining clip. Then pull out the unit. With a bit of luck this will be faulty. If not, then you are looking at slave cylinder or the release bearing which means gearbox removal and many £££. Also check number 6 and 7 for any damage and replace if necessary.

Check prices with Rufe tomorrow, and if it is too expensive you can have this one from me for £10