Transmission Problem?

[Mr Hayman]

Hi everyone

I've got a 2000 model bmw e46 318i, my gears wont disengage at times, the clutch pedal becomes stiff when this happens, however when I turn the car off and start it again, or pump it a several times it comes back to its senses but after a while the problem occurs again #please help as this I my "get to work car"

 

[Ralf*]

I cant recal the system properly, but I seem to recal on my E36 325i, that the brake fluid and clutch master used the same resevoir.

I had problems twice with shaft seals on the clutch master, causing leakage, and would also have issues engaging or disengaging gears.

You say that the clutch goes stiff, so that would lead me into thinking that something on the brake boost is causing issues

just my thought process to start the ball rolling

 

[Nikhil]

sounds like either a master or slave cylinder issue. might be a sticky release bearing as-well.

 

[Mr Hayman]

Thanks for the response Ralf and Nikhil,

So in conclusion would I have to bleed the slave cylinder? replace the release bearing? In regards to the release bearing, what are the symptoms of replacement?

 

[Ralf*]

Thanks for the response Ralf and Nikhil,

So in conclusion would I have to bleed the slave cylinder? replace the release bearing? In regards to the release bearing, what are the symptoms of replacement?

if were up to me, my process of ellimination and understanding of the system and the problem would be

1) visual inspection of the fluid level, fluid colour for contamination etc
2) visual inspection of the levers/linkages etc to ensure smooth obstruction free operation
3) visual inspection for leaks and chaffing pipes, brittle or old pipes
4) maybe consider a fluid flush
5) maybe consider a good bleeding

thereafter it becomes beyond my own DIY ability, and the problem lies deeper inside, but at least I would have personally done, many of the inital steps that a mechanical workshop would probably also do in the process of fault finding