HELP, 2001 EXP CLUTCH PROBLEMS

This does sound like the slave cylinder, but I would expect some leakage. Are you sure that it's not the master cylinder, which would be easier to replace?

I know this may be apples and oranges since I'm comparing this to my 1993 Explorer Sport, but you can replace the slave cylinder yourself for about $80 and 8 hours of very intensive labor. After doing it myself on my 1993, I swore I'd pay for it the next time. The hardest thing was getting the driveshaft bolts off. Loctited on, so they were a bear.

So, do ya really wanna save some money, do ya?

Oh, and it should be obvious, but while you've got the transmission pulled, you really ought to change out all the sacrificial parts, like the clutch and pressure plate.

well, considering I am lucky that I know where the gas goes, I think doing it myself may be a bit out of the question. It just seems that if it were the slave cylander, wouldnt it be a constant problem of hydrolic pressure, not an on again off again thing? ( see I sound like I know what Im talking about, but really Im just a silly girl :))

I do not know why you would have an intermittently weak pedal. Sorry, just can't help. Might be air in the system; might be a cracked o-ring in the master cylinder that works most of the time, but leaks occasionally. So, you MIGHT get away with changing the master cylinder which would be a minor job compared to changing the slave cylinder.

My slave cylinder was leaking and it was pretty obvious that it would have to be replaced though I made it work a couple extra weeks by carrying some brake fluid with me and filling it up faster than it was leaking. You might have the master clutch cylinder replaced or maybe just have the system bled, I just don't know. Sorry I can't help.

And don't worry about being a silly girl, after changing my own clutch, slave cylinder, etc., I'll admit to being a girlie man and let the dealer do it next time. That job whooped me, and I guess in my old age, I have more money than patience.

thanks for your help, I took it to the dealer and he told me it was the slave cylander and now Im out about a grand plus the cost of a rental car.... I was only 100 miles over my warentee too. sometimes life is a kick in the pants huh?!

Wait a second, you're only 100 miles over the warranty!?!

I think I'd have a talk with the dealer. Surely no dealer would be so heartless that they wouldn't cover such an obvious product defect under warranty when it's so close!!! I would call it "customer satisfaction". If you don't get satisfaction from the dealer directly, I would call the 1-800 number in the warranty handbook. This should be covered by warranty, no question.