Volkswagen: clutch problems, clutch slave cylinder, brake fluid reservoir

Question
mk 4 volwagen golf 1.9tdi 2001 110bhp please can you advise me as i can get no help from golf whatsoever i have a clutch problem i cant select gears with the engine running and had to have recovery to get home but when the engine ids off i can select gears could you sugust the problem and the way to sort it out  the pedal goes to the floor and it feels as there is no pressure as you normally get   thankyou  

Answer
Hi Ernest,

This should help you out.  The clutch is operated by hydraulic fluid.   Next to the brake fluid reservoir, there should be another little cap.   That is for the "Clutch slave cylinder".   It could be one of three things:

1) It is out of fluid, so you are getting no pressure, try filling it up and pumping the clutch, see how that works.

2) The clutch slave cylinder is bad.  You can bring this to any repair shop, as it is a routine repair, and should cost under 150.00.

3) A line that carries fluid has broke or rotted, leaking, out fluid.  Simply replace it, if you see any drippage after you fill the clutch reservoir.   Check everywhere.


This is a relatively common, yet inexpensive job.  

Good luck, and let me know how you make out.

Ron