# Clutch problem!

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/clutch-problem/3454>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [August 21, 2007, 11:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clutch-problem/3454 "2007-08-21T23:33:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![bdmd92](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f0a364/32.png) [@bdmd92](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bdmd92)\
**Post date:** [August 21, 2007, 11:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clutch-problem/3454/1 "2007-08-21T23:33:55Z")

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the clutch on my 93 escort will not engage unless I tap the clutch pedal 3-4 times, not pump, tap,(approx 14 way to floor) I tried to bleed but no help. I had my wife tap pedal while I watched the slave cylinder, when she pushed and held clutch pedal in , the cylinder moved but immediately went back in. Does that sound like I need a new cylinder? (no leaks observed) I don’t know to much about cars so any help would be appreciated.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [August 22, 2007, 12:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clutch-problem/3454/2 "2007-08-22T00:23:08Z")

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[b]The master cylinder isn’t keeping the hydraulic pressure constant. So the slave cylinder slowly releases if it isn’t leaking.

You need a new clutch master cylinder. And while you’re at it, also replace the slave cylinder too. This way you restore the hydraulic part of the clutch system.

This is a lot cheaper than replacing the clutch assembly. Which will eventually happen if the hydraulics don’t work.

Tester[/b]