Hyundai Repair: clutch/tans issue on 98 hyundai elantra, clutch master cylinder, hyundai elantra

Question
I have a 98 Hyundai Elantra and recently shifting has become rather difficult. First gear from a stopped position seems to be the hardest gear to get into and reverse sometimes grinds when putting it in gear. Sometimes there is a slight improvement to the shifting when the car is rolling but other times it is just as difficult. The car, on rare (so far) occasions, shudders slightly while in gear with the clutch all the way depressed. I am hoping this may be only in need of an adjustment to the clutch cable or something else as undemanding. Please give me some ideas as to what this may be, or ask any further information you may need.

Answer
You don't have a clutch cable as your clutch is hydraulically operated.  But you should check to make sure the hydraulic fluid is full in the clutch master cylinder.  If not, you'll need to check the master and release cylinders for leakage.  

If the fluid is full, you'll need to determine whether it's a hydraulic issue or clutch hardware issue.  The way to do this is to determine whether the release cylinder rod goes through its full travel.  If not, you've probably got an internal master cylinder problem.  If it does, you've probably got a problem with the clutch disc or pressure plate.