Long time no write...

After retirement, I rarely drive my wagon, after it sits for a while, I find the clutch pedal does not return after pressing. I CAN lift it and pump it enough to shift, then, after driving for a while, it starts behaving mostly normally.

Anyone experience this? clutch master or slave cylinder????

 

Master cylinder is becoming gummy. 

It could be worth flushing the clutch hydraulic system. 

At worst you might need to replace the master cylinder. Or have the whole system overhauled. 

Also, the clutch pedal when it goes to the floor will not naturally return, at least in my Gen 1 RS Liberty it doesn’t. 

 

Other things to check in addition to whats mentioned above...

Check the pedal assembly under the dash.  Those years can get cracks in the pedal bracket.  Remove and check the pivot pin itself for wear.  I've long since replaced mine with a hardened bolt, washers and locknut.

Is 2006 the a push clutch?  The stamped fork tends to crack overtime.  Hard to check though.  Pull clutch uses forged fork and has no issues.

Edited September 7, 2025Sep 7 by nvu

1+ Flush and bleed they system.  New hose master to slave if it's original.

13 hours ago, nvu said:

Other things to check in addition to whats mentioned above...

Check the pedal assembly under the dash.  Those years can get cracks in the pedal bracket.  Remove and check the pivot pin itself for wear.  I've long since replaced mine with a hardened bolt, washers and locknut.

Is 2006 the a push clutch?  The stamped fork tends to crack overtime.  Hard to check though.  Pull clutch uses forged fork and has no issues.

since it pumps back up, I figured it isn't a cracked lever. The problem seems more hydraulic in nature?

thanks folks. I forgot to mention there are no leaks/drips under the car.

slave cylinder

I had the mechanic do it since it was in for its inspection sticker. 

 

pricey, intercooler had to come off.

 

thanks everybody

Dam Turbos!  :>)

When you say the master cylinder was done - what was done? 

Replaced or flushed and bled? 

If replacing I hope they replaced the slave cylinder too. It’s a lot of work for not much more effort. And typically if the master cylinder needs attention the slave will most likely go shortly after…

On 9/12/2025 at 11:47 PM, el_freddo said:

When you say the master cylinder was done - what was done? 

Replaced or flushed and bled? 

If replacing I hope they replaced the slave cylinder too. It’s a lot of work for not much more effort. And typically if the master cylinder needs attention the slave will most likely go shortly after…

They replaced the slave. If they give me the old one, I might investigate rebuilding it and keep it with the other spares I have for the car. With fresh fluid and a bleed, maybe the master will be ok, if not, it's the onley thing left so, I might tackle it myself but really guys, maintenance and repair work is getting to be a challenge for me nowadays.

Fair enough if the maintenance work is becoming a challenge for you, can’t stay young and nimble forever! 

Thanks for verifying what was done.