Hey All,
I'm, of course, new here and I hate for my first post to be asking for help. But I really do need it, and will be very appreciateve for any suggestions/help. Sorry for the long post, but if I'm asking for help, I try to be as detailed as possible.

Anyways, I have a 2001 Rodeo S 4x2 5 speed. Hence the username. Short of a couple alternators, an AC compressor and that DA%! gas gauge/sender, haven't had much trouble. Until now.

Today as I was getting off the interstate I was gear braking (my front pads are just about gone and Im trying to save the rotors until I get time this week to change them) and suddenly the clutch pedal dropped to the floor. it wasn't a gentle, floating drop either, it felt like something snapped and down it went.

I pulled to the shoulder off the exit and took a look and there was nothing leaking, nor was the master cylinder low on fluid. The pedal, itself isn't broken either. Everything seemed normal, except for the clutch being stuck at the engaged position. Once I limped to my destination right around the corner (a 5-speed with no clutch, stuck engaged is quite an interesting drive. Thank God I knew about the old "rev till it pops in gear" trick), I did some further checking.

I need to advise that I had a similar clutch problem about a year ago, but the fluid was leaking out of the slave cylinder boot slowly. I "fixed" it by zip tying the boot to seal it back on the metal part, added fluid, bled it and all has been fine. Until now. That being said, I would totally jackslap someone who drives this way for a year, without a true fix, but honestly, it's been perfect and I forgot about it.

Once I was under the transmission, I could see where fluid has been leaking out over the past year, but it doesn't seem to be leaking much, as the Master Cylinder is full. Anyways, I bled it, hoping some air somehow got in the system, but of course this did nothing. I can see the slave cylinder moving when the clutch is pressed, but it doesn't look like it's moving very far.
My question is, do you think it's the slave cylinder? I'm hoping it is, and not a clutch or pressure plate, as that would almost be prohibitively expensive. I don't even mind if it's the master cylinder as that's only like $60. I'm thinking it is the slave cylinder, seeing as I had trouble with it previously.

Any input would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

 

if you were able to drive that means the clutch is engauged sounds like it is your slave unit . easy fix!

 

Yea. That's what I'm thinking as well. I went and picked up the slave cylinder today, but ran out of daylight (I HATE winter), so I'll pop it on tomorrow. Thanks for the reply!

 

Looks like it was indeed the slave cylinder. I still have a bit of air to work out, as the clutch is either on, or off, but all seems to be back to normal....somewhat. Thanks for your response.