Clutch fluid loss

Hi, I have a 1997 300tdi and think I have a problem within the clutch system. About 8 months ago noticed a loss of pressure on the clutch pedal. Checked fluid reservoir and was empty. Filled up and clutch back to normal. Could not see any signs of leaks. Yesterday same problem. Refilled and clutch back to normal. Still no signs of any leaks. Mechanic friend suggested it could be slave cylinder leaking into gearbox, hence no sign of leak. Is this plausible.? Is it ok to drive with gradual loss of fluid if I keep topping it up?
Would welcome your thoughts

You have a leak for sure as it a sears hydraulic system - so unless someone is siphoning your clutch fluid you have a leak.

Could be the slave leaking into the bellhousing.

Could be the master leaking into the foot wells.

Could be any part of the metal pipe or rubber hose

System needs careful examination of all parts to work it out.

Topping up every so often is a bodge and will only last so long before crap gets in or something and the master fails and then it’s more work so your call really.

Fix it as it will let you down on the wetest coldest darkest night on the blind corner of the most dangerous road you know!

Good advice is to replace the lot slave and master together

Your mechanic friend's diagnosis is likely to be correct.

defender1007 said:

Hi, I have a 1997 300tdi and think I have a problem within the clutch system. About 8 months ago noticed a loss of pressure on the clutch pedal. Checked fluid reservoir and was empty. Filled up and clutch back to normal. Could not see any signs of leaks. Yesterday same problem. Refilled and clutch back to normal. Still no signs of any leaks. Mechanic friend suggested it could be slave cylinder leaking into gearbox, hence no sign of leak. Is this plausible.? Is it ok to drive with gradual loss of fluid if I keep topping it up?
Would welcome your thoughts

Click to expand...

If it's the slave cylinder, this is bolted to the bottom of the bell housing, you'll not see the leak unless you lie on your back underneath your landy. If it's the master cylinder, bolted to the bulkhead, just under bonnet level above your feet, often the fluid runs down the pedal lever in to the front footwell and on to the drivers floor. Your description would indicate the slave, as you aren't identifying the leak and have not said you've been underneath for a look. I have had a flexi pipe crack, between solid pipe and slave, as Retro indicated. If the seals in one cylinder have gone then, often, the other one is not far behind. Which is why lynall is advising changing both at the same time. Wise words. (Give the flexi pipe a good checking too)

Thanks for the info. Landy booked in for investigation of leak. Will get master and slave replaced
And any pipe work if required.