Hello all,

PUMA model Defender 2008.

Bit of a head scratcher here after replacing my clutch master cylinder, I've bled it and had no bubbles coming through for quite a few pumps, but now that I've topped up the reservoir and closed the bleed valve the clutch pedal will still fall to the floor and stay there - i.e. no spring return from the clutch itself.

I'm not losing any fluid or see any leaks.

The original problem displayed similar symptoms where the pedal would fall to the floor - but only after a fair amount of driving without using the clutch, and pumping a couple of times would get it working again.

It is now like this all the time.

(Master cylinder was a relatively easy/cheap 'try it and see' diagnostic.)

I'm wondering how I've made it worse? Or have I just forgotten some simple step in working with the clutch hydraulics?

My only thought is that there is still air in the line and depressing the clutch is compressing that instead of hydraulically activating the slave cylinder - but if I'm not seeing air in the fluid then ??

Any tips appreciated.

I know nowt about the puma but it sounds like the slave has gone.
Is there a flexy anywhere? If there is, clamp it and see if the pedal goes hard then?
A grown up will be along shortly!

Good point on the flexi, that's a good way to test the air in the line theory - it's near the slave end so I will try!

Reverse bled it today and found the offending belches of air.

Running well!

Thanks for the info

Sometimes with a new master that is a bit dry [been in storage a while] the piston sticks at the bottom of its stroke on the first press of the pedal and then no fluid will pass.Your reverse bleed will have pushed it back and now with fluid around it will return fine with the return pressure from the clutch and its own spring inside.