Mercedes-Benz W202 clutch pedal stuck down or weak
C180
My W202 clutch pedal stays down or is weak. What is the fault?
The cause is usually the clutch master or slave cylinder. If fluid runs under the mats, the fault is in the master cylinder at the pedal end. If fluid comes from the side of the gearbox, the fault is in the slave cylinder.
Can the clutch pedal stay down even though nothing leaks?
Yes. The spring inside the master cylinder can crumble or the seals can let fluid past, in which case the clutch gradually becomes weak or stays down. The clutch and brake fluid are in the same reservoir, so a drop in fluid level points to a leak.
How do I bleed the clutch system after replacing a cylinder?
Bleeding is easiest done from below at the slave cylinder's bleed nipple through a hose and a collecting container. Remove the excess fluid from the reservoir. Because the fluid is shared with the brakes and the brakes are safety-critical, have a workshop check the result.
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