Howdy,
Did a forum search but was unable to find the info I need. I have a 2007 Sport 2Dr I've had since new and have 144,000 miles on it. Within the las week it's been noticeably harder to shift gears when underway, to the point where now it almost doesn't shift at all. When it is in gear, it doesn't feel like the clutch fully engages when I push the pedal, even to the floor, as the jeep still acts as if it's in gear...any suggestions on what it could be?

Very much appreciate the help!

Mike

 

Ever have a clutch job

 

No, are you saying the clutch is bad or needs an adjustment? Sorry for my ignorance, just trying to learn.

 

You could have a problem with the slave or master clutch cylinder. Check your brake fluid (reservoir is shared with clutch). If it gets too low, air enters the system, making your clutch pedal less effective. If you pump clutch pedal does it start to feel more normal? If so, and fluid isn't leaking and was low, you may just need to top off and bleed clutch (and maybe brakes). Also check for brake fluid around the master cylinder (driver side of engine compartment by the brake vacuum booster) and the slave cylinder (driver side of transmission, fairly high up). Slave cylinder leak could show up at the bell housing.

 

Mark, thanx for the reply, definitely something to check...it does get easier to engage after a few pumps of the pedal, although still tight. Another thing to mention is that this happens only after it gets warmed up..when I first start driving it feels fine, but at the end of my commute (40 miles highway) it is hard to shift...does this help narrow anything down?

Again, I'm really trying to learn here and not simply take it to the dealer and say "fix it.". With a son who's terminally ill and lots of medical bills, I'm trying to do this smart and save money where I can.

Thanx again for all the help, open to all ideas!

 

It doesn't help me; maybe someone else has some thoughts. But check for the fluid levels and leaks. Replacing the slave cylinder is fairly straight-forward. Basically, loosen the two nuts that hold it in place, pull it out, disconnect the hydraulic line--BEING VERY CAREFUL TO SAVE THE O-RING!!!!--reattach the hydraulic line to the new slave, then reinsert the new slave and tighten the two retaining nuts. After doing, bleed. Here is the bleeding procedure (fourth post down) ...

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stoc...lutch-21751/#b

The master is a bit more difficult, but not excessively so. Here is the procedure to replace it ...

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...dure-311575/#b

 

Turned out the clutch was gone...Dealer wanted $1500 to replace it, shopped around to a local Goodyear place and they replaced it for $900 with a loaner and good warranty...debated trying it myself, but a man's gotta know his limitations...