R32 Gtr Clutch Pedal Randomly Goes Hard

[AngelFC]

Hey guys just a little help to diagnose what could be the problem with my clutch.

It was working fine until I started the car up today and until I put it into reverse. As I was reversing and easing the clutch out all of a sudden it kind of went hard and 'popped' out and made it very resistant to being pressed all the way down... but still is possible to do so.

Also when the clutch is pressed/forced all the way down now I kind of hear a 'rush of air' noise coming from somewhere. Still shifts and gets into gear fine at this stage but I feel it engages quicker now.

Thing is it all seems to happen randomly or mainly when I am repeating the steps above or in first gear taking off.. pops out hard again. Seems to go away after I get up to speed and clutch will feel normal and soft again and gone like it never happened...

Kind of a noob at this, but had a look in the engine bay and all the fluids still seem to be full in the cylinder things. What could be the issue? I really dont want to take it to a mechanic to fix unless I have to if its something simple enough.

Edited December 25, 2012 by AngelFC

[GTSBoy]

You have a vacuum booster between the clutch pedal and the clutch master cylinder. It has either shat its diaphragm or popped off the vaccum hose from the engine.

[AngelFC]

Thanks for the reply,

Hmm is the vacuum booster the black thing mounted on the inside of the engine bay wall? which the small cylinder reservoir is part of? what do you mean a vacuum hose from the engine? where can i find this? is it around the same area? If its a diaphragm issue is it hard or pricely to fix?

Also, had a quick play with the pedal this morning, seems like i can hear the air noise coming from near the pedal itself and it sounds like the sound of an air pump or something? i'd only have to press it a tiny bit to hear the sound.

I am just wondering if its safe to drive it around? might really have to take it to the shop as I dont want to risk further damage or get stranded somewhere.. but I can only do so in a week or two since most places probably closed for the holiday break right now.

Edited December 26, 2012 by AngelFC

[Dahtone Racing]

Boosters rooted mate, mines the same and CBF changing it.

It won't harm anything driving it like that for a little while because there's a one way valve so it won't leak boost. Just may leak a little under vacuum but you will eventually need to either change it or just block the vac hose and run without it.

Although if you run without it the pedal bracket may develop cracks due to the extra force needed to move the pedal.

[GTSBoy]

Yuh, if it were me, I would find the hose and block it, then plan to pull the clutch pedal bracket out and weld some braces onto it. At that time you could look at removing the booster altogether. You could then get it refurbished or throw it in the shed to offer to the new owener if/when you sell the car.

[AngelFC]

Thanks guys you've been much helpful. Was worried it was something hugely wrong with my transmission but glad only a small concern.

Might just take your recommendations and just disable the booster for awhile til I get it sorted.

Its quite annoying at the moment turning on and off at times making me accidently jump and do bunny hops lol.

Can you guys show me a pic if possible on what vacuum line I should block?

Edited December 27, 2012 by AngelFC

[GTSBoy]

Nah. Just find the one and only hose (its bigger diameter than a typical small boost/vacuum hose......about the size of a fuel hose) that will be plugged into the booster can behind the clutch master. Just put your hand in there and feel around.

[Dahtone Racing]

See the hose coming from under the plenum into the clutch booster?

That's the one.