2001 Forester 5MT  138k miles.  

Slave was replaced 3.5 yrs ago with 105k miles on her.  Otherwise, system original.

 

Do not assume that just because the fluid level LOOKS full from outside the reservoir on the
Master, that it really is full.  That might just be a darkened bathtub ring film coating the inside of the reservoir
near the Full line, fooling you into thinking there is fluid inside.  Instead, BE SURE to open the reservoir cap and look inside to check the fluid level.  If low, pour in more DOT3 fluid and bleed the system until you get some clutch pedal pressure and functionality.  If it seems to continue to suck down fluid and the pedal return does not seem strong, then you must have a leak.  Remove the big plastic airfilter box to gain
a better view of the entire clutch hydraulic system (which is up top and very visible and accessible).  Wipe down all components and clutch lines
with a clean rag.  Then have your partner continue to pump the clutch pedal, while you top up the reservoir with
fluid, and bleed via the nipple on the Slave (sounds kinky, I know).  As your partner presses down on the clutch, she is putting pressure into the system, this is when any leaking fluid must be spraying out somewhere…either from a component or the metal line or
rubber hose.  Look for the wet spot!  Mine was a pinhole leak in the black rubber Clutch Hose that connects the Slave banjo bolt to the bracket connecting to the metal tube that connects to the Master.  My leak was 3 inches back from the banjo bolt.  The Clutch Hose can be ordered from Advance Auto Parts for $16.00 on their World Pack system.  It is very important that you talk to an experienced clerk there who is familiar with World Pack...or else you will just be quickly told, "yeah, um, no we don't have it.  You prolly have to go to da dealer for dat part."

Edited September 15, 201510 yr by unibrook

I think we all learn the hard way to open the cap to check the fluid level.

Of course most of the cars I deal with the brake fluid/clutch fluid reservoirs are so dirty you can't see anything from the outside so it has just become automatic for me to take the cap off. Definitely do not assume that if it LOOKS like its full from the outside that it really is.