Them Z3 woes

[Nighthawk399]

So I was at road of america watching the race a few weeks back, I tried to start my car and my car would not shift into gear. Checked the clutch reservoir and it appeared to be nearly empty. Filled it and finally got full feel back in the clutch. Problem is A I don't know where the leak is coming from, B I checked for leaks on the clutch pedal (master cylinder) and also on the outside of the slave cylinder housing (just as it lays naturally) and found nothing. I don't see any puddles on the ground but I keep losing maybe 2 ounces a week. Could it be a leak in the brakes? Am I checking the slave properly? Where would you look? I was planning a brake over haul but maybe not if problems are on the clutch side. Please help

[BlackjackM]

I believe that the slave cylinder can leak internally so you won't see a puddle. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me will chime in.

[kojohns]

The clutch and brake reservoir are the same with the clutch pickup being a little high on the reservoir... you need to check all your brake lines for leaks as well.

This thread shows where the clutch master cylinder pickup is on the reservoir... 1st pic in 1st post: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...Coupe-Roadster

[IgotBMW]

Check for leaks at the calipers. Your caliper pistons could leak as well.

[Nighthawk399]

The strange part is that it seems like the clutch side goes down only

[rf900rkw]

If the brakes were leaking, you won't lose feel in the clutch pedal. A brake leak would drain the fluid from the reservoir, sure, but won't empty the clutch feed hose. Since you lost feel, the leak is in the clutch system. Hydraulic cylinders will leak out the bore end. This means fluid running out the pushrod end of the cylinder. On the slave, this means into the bellhousing, where it will be absorbed by the mounds of clutch dust, and eventually drip out the bottom center of the bell, mixed in with any minor engine oil leaks.

[Nighthawk399]

So I should remove the slave from the 2 bolts holding it to the transmission, then feel the end for wetness from the fluid leaking?

[SunzOut]

yes, and remove every wheel and check the calipers and all the brake lines...

The fluid is going somewhere, do you part the car in the same spot ? anything on the ground ?

[Nighthawk399]

Same spot, no puddles on the ground but I think the top part of the reservoir is to blame. But it could maybe have been due to parking on a hill