So this weekend I went to meet a buddy for a drive. While driving I noticed the gear changes appeared to be getting more difficult like perhaps I was being lazy with the clutch pedal. This was especially true for the 1-2 shift. Down shifting for a corner posed no detectable increase in effort and appeared fine. The clutch was holding fine with no detectable slip etc and leaving from a stop was okay. We drove for about 1.5 hrs or so and the 1-2 shift just kept getting more difficult. It seemed if I shifted with the engine speed lower like driving to work or other non spirited driving that the shifting was better but still not "normal". So the fun day was over and I drove back home 2hrs. About 5 mi from home I came across a hellcat challenger while rolling. We chit chatted at the light and I went to take off and I could no longer shift after leaving the light. ( I left the light at a normal slow take off engine speed but did give it pretty decent throttle prior to attempting to shift to 2nd) The pedal went to the floor and there was a pretty nasty chatter seemingly coming from the trans\ engine area. I was able to gently get it into 3rd and limped home to my cul-de-sac. There was no getting into gear with the engine running after shutting it down and trying to start it back up. With the help of my wife and neighbor we got it in the garage by pushing it

My initial thought was the dreaded slave cylinder. After looking around the forum it seemed like that the info confirmed it. However, there was no loss of fluid to the ground at the clutch master cylinder, slave, or power steering pump. I ordered the rennfix rebuild kit and a new accumulator. The rennfix rebuild kit went in without issue and I was very careful using plastic picks and cleaning everything thoroughly. I put the slave cylinder back in and bled it out. Much to my disappointment it the rebuilt slave cyl and new accumulator had no affect. It appears the slave cyl is working based on the video below with the endoscope but I still have the chatter noise when the clutch pedal is not pushed. I can still not put it in gear with the engine running with the clutch pedal pushed. While depressing the clutch pedal you can feel a pulsation in the pedal. With the engine off of course it goes into gear without issue. I am worried that my issue is going to require the trans to come out. Hopefully perhaps the rebuild kit just isn’t as good as a new slave cyl. Looking for some advice.

Here are some videos that might help:

Slave cylinder actuation engine off:

Slave cylinder actuation engine @ idle:

Engine at idle trans in neutral chatter sound:

Engine at idle trans in neutral intermittent clutch pedal depressing:

 

You can do a slave cylinder with the engine/trans in the car. I have done it.

I didnt think it was all that bad. Just the parts cost north of $400 was the main bother.

 

Yeah I rebuilt the slave and put it back in with a new accumulator. That is where I am at. So either the resealing of the slave doesn't allow it to move enough or something took a crap in the clutch or mechanical parts between the engine and transmission

 

It sounds to me like your release bearing broke apart (been there). If that is the case, trans has to come out, but there would be no issues with your hydraulics. Don't rebuild your slave if you don't have to.

 

Yeah I agree that likely the bearing or pressure plate has went south to some degree. I already rebuilt the salve cylinder and replaced the accumulator so I'll just chalk that up to preventative maintenance and not cry about it too much. I don't think doing this on my back would be the best so going to stop at a local shop tomorrow and chat about it with them. Working on a clutch upgrade now.

 

The dealer process for this is to remove the engine. They will do it right (or at least my dealer would). Be very careful about who you let do this! That's how I know what a broken release bearing feels like. The "Expert" Indy here, doesn't remove the engine to remove the clutch and he pooched the job twice before I went to the dealer - totally not worth the aggravation. No issues since the dealer fixed it - Go Porsche Centre Victoria!

 

Well I played with my $27 endoscope some more. I see one of the rings that I believe is part of the release bearing broken and pushing on the pressure plate "finger".
Problem (bottom right of pic)

Problem (bottom right of pic)

Sprung hub disk

 

Bummer man.

 

Sorry dude, that sucks. Hope your shop gets it sorted quickly and you can be back on the road.