Sticking clutch pedal release after one hour run

[olddognewtrks]

Odd problem here: I've been recently driving 80 easy highway miles one way, and when I exit, the clutch pedal on my '03 Mazda Protege doesn't come up smoothly. It's a smooth no-hitch press down, but I can feel it catching or sticking in several steps as it comes up. It doesn't matter if it's in gear or in neutral. It seems to be related to heat soaking from the long run, as it hasn't been doing it on shorter trips. It's a hydraulic clutch, with a shared master cylinder fluid reservoir. The fluid needs to be changed out (it's four years old and I'm overdue) but it's not obviously nasty.

Any hints at this time? Thanks ahead of time.

 

[tom slick]

it sounds like you might need a new clutch. maybe the pressure plate or release bearing is acting up?

 

[alanu]

look at the slave cylinder. If its weeping change that part before you jump to conclusions.

 

[mechtech2]

The throwout bearing seems to stick. You can often get in there with some type of probe and lube the sliding surfaces. Also try and lube the fork.
But that doesn't mean the slave cylinder of master cylinder are perfect.
You should dig a little deeper.

 

[Tosh]

Lube the pedal pivot bushing before you get too dirty. But unfortunately, it sounds like a more serious problem.

 

[Matt_S]

You admit the fluid needs changing. Do that first, then see if you still have a problem. Old fluid can cause that sort of problem.