Hydraulic clutch

[TheGangler]

So I did a search, as per forum rules, and could not find any info on this.

Little background....


99 RT/10, 45,000 miles.

I was backing my car out of the garage and pushed the clutch pedal in, it popped and went right to the floor with about zero resistance. I shut the car off and pushed it back into the garage. On the ground I found fluid from what I believe is just a broken line from the hydraulic clutch cable. But not being a mechanic, and having almost no mechanical ability nor knowledge, I cannot really diagnose the problem. From what I have been told by a friend is that it is probably just a line that runs from the clutch pedal or firewall into the transmission and I might be able to get away with just replacing the line.

Has anyone has any experience with this? Is it a big job?

My current plan is to wait until spring, when the snow and ice is gone, and I can have the car towed to my mechanic to fix it for me.

Thanks in advance.

[Steve-Indy]

I would think clutch slave cylinder failure would be more likely...can easily tell on the lift at the dealer you choose to do the repair.

Don't be surprised if clutch master cylinder is in question as well....
especially if clutch fluid service has been neglected as in most Vipers that I run across at Club events and Viper service sessions.

FYI...hose is supplied with master cylinder along with position switch, reservoir, diaphragm, and cap...ALL one unit.

Just saw your area... Contact Garron who posts here as he is a Viper Tech in/near Toronto.

[TheGangler]

Thank you

[71firebird400]

More than likely the slave cylinder. Requires the transmission to come out to replace, but it's not a terrible job by any means.

[00GTS]

Where in Ontario are you?

[TheGangler]

I am in Belleville.

[Steve-Indy]

Garron is at Raceway Chrysler in Toronto...per prior post.

[00GTS]

I'm out in Burlington......thought if you were close by I could take a look. Oh well....

[LATAMUD]

I've had the hose and the slave cylinder leak on separate ocasions. One way of diagnosing is if the fluid spill was centerline to the car or offset to the driver side a bit. or, add fluid to the resovoir and pump the pedal while watching where its pouring from.

[dave6666]

FYI cables don't have fluid in them. Hydraulic lines do.

If your clutch failed abruptly, which appears to be your description of failure, I would not suspect the slave. More typically they would develop a slow leak and get air in the system which would deteriorate its function over time.

[Jeff Enslow]

Just had the same thing happen to my 1999 RT/10. It was the slave cylinder.

[Steve-Indy]

Looks like it was "the clutch and the slave cylinder".

https://driveviper.com/forums/threads/threads/17713-Off-to-the-Garage