1996 GMC Sonoma clutch

1996 GMC SONOMA
104,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
WILLIAM WALLACE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
One cold morning (15F) the Sonoma started shifting normally. After a start from the first stop sign the clutch action got softer until a few shifts later the clutch had no resistance and I couldn't get the transmission out of gear. The clutch reservoir level was down an inch, but still had adequate fluid. I topped it off, pumped the clutch enough to barely get 'er in gear, and limp the truck home. The clutch is original to the truck. I see no obvious fluid leakage.
Dec 16, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
SERPENTRACER
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
more than likely the master cylinder is letting air in the system.
worse case senerio...it's the slave. I'm not 100% certain about a 96 but if it's like my 97 the slave is located on the transmission inside the bell housing. which requires the transmission to have to come out to replace it.
if you are going that far and because it's hard to get the upper two bolts out of the motor you really should put a new clutch and pressure plate.
Dec 19, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Avatar
WILLIAM WALLACE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Since I read your response and did some investigating, you're probably right about the slave cylinder. There is some minor dripping forward of the transmission. Once the weather warms (no need to hurry this) I will tear out the trans and check everything out. The truck has been one tough cookie for over 13 years for me.
Dec 19, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Advertisement