F150 Clutch Problems
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F150 Clutch Problems
I have a 1998 F150 that had clutch problems after less than 15K miles, this vehicle is not used for towing or hauling heavy loads. Of course this happened after the 36 mo warranty and the dealer would not give me a break on the repairs ($750 for clutch, pressure plate and slave cylinder). The clutch pedal is getting soft again (it's worse in hot weather - halfway to the floor before any resistance), this is 12 months and 4K miles later. My 1988 F150 I had for 10 yrs with no problems. Not sure if this is a fluke or if others are having similar problems. The dealer bled the clutch line, bu the pedal was soft again the next day, so I am guessing the slave cylinder is bad again. There are no signs of leaks.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 318
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From: North of Toronto, Ontario
F150 Clutch Problems
Hard to tell what the problem is, if there is no leaks. Maybe the master is bypassing when you step on it. This means the seal inside is shot and it needs rebuilding. The actual clutch and pressure plate should be in fine shape, unless you drive like an ***. Those are low miles. Check around at different jobbers. Ford's prices are way too high.
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F150 Clutch Problems
The dealer replaced the slave cylinder (under warranty from the previous repair). I am still a bit concerned that I have only 19K miles on this vehicle and the slave cylinder has failed twice!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
F150 Clutch Problems
It's more likely the lever on the clutch pedal pivot shaft. It has a hole drilled in it, and when it's installed onto the shaft, splines are cut into it by the shaft. But if the factory doesn't tighten the nut FAR enough, it may only be on the splines halfway, and they MIGHT have worn out. Another possibility is the little plastic bushing between the lever and the clutch master cylinder pushrod. They wear out, too, and because of the geometry of the system, that TINY amount of wear can create a LARGE amount of slop in the linkage. This pic shows the '86 parts I just put on my truck, but yours will be similar.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Boise, ID
F150 Clutch Problems
wmfell, you say they replaced the slave cylinder. You don't mention anything about the clutch master cylinder. Like serving_time eleuded to, perhaps it's time to replace the master if it hasn't been done yet.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Boise, ID
F150 Clutch Problems
I doubt a bad clutch master would cause a slave to go out prematuraly. I'm guessing you'll have clutch problems again here in a couple days when the clutch master sucks air again.
When they replace the slave, the system gets bleeded, making operation normal for awhile. My guess is that the clutch master cylinder is bad and is pumping air into the system after is sees some heat and use. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's a lot of bad slave cylinders for a problem that sounds likeley to be a clutch master.
Just to clarify. The clutch master cylinder is not the same as the brake master cylider. (Thrown in just in case of any confusion)....
When they replace the slave, the system gets bleeded, making operation normal for awhile. My guess is that the clutch master cylinder is bad and is pumping air into the system after is sees some heat and use. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's a lot of bad slave cylinders for a problem that sounds likeley to be a clutch master.
Just to clarify. The clutch master cylinder is not the same as the brake master cylider. (Thrown in just in case of any confusion)....
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F150 Clutch Problems
They bled the clutch on 2 separate occasions before replacing the slave cylinder, and the problem resurfaced within hours. Knock on wood, things are still okay today. Question - if the master cylinder IS bad (and yes I realize it is separate from the brake master cylinder!), can it be replaced/repaired easily (I used to buy the the shop manuals from Helm every time I got a new vehicle, but stopped as they have become so expensive).
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
F150 Clutch Problems
You can get a Ford/Helm CD off eBay for ~$10 delivered, and it contains the service manual, PCED, & EVTM for EVERY truck & van in one year model. 
Replacing the clutch MC isn't too hard, but Ford recommends changing the clutch pedal lever at the same time because the splines ARE the adjustment and they won't recut - they always go back to the first set. The lever is only ~$12, so it's not prohibitively expensive. Click my signature & look in the Hydraulic Clutch photo album.
Replacing the clutch MC isn't too hard, but Ford recommends changing the clutch pedal lever at the same time because the splines ARE the adjustment and they won't recut - they always go back to the first set. The lever is only ~$12, so it's not prohibitively expensive. Click my signature & look in the Hydraulic Clutch photo album.
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