275 GTB Clutch Pedal falls to the floor | FerrariChat

275 GTB Clutch Pedal falls to the floor

Discussion in 'Vintage (thru 365 GTC4)' started by massimofinance, Apr 4, 2011.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. massimofinance

    Nov 24, 2004
    39
    Hi all: I was hoping to gain some knowledge here. I got into the car and the pedal fell all the way to the floor. I noticed that the resovoir that holds the brake fluid for the clutch was completely empty. I added some, and tried to slowly pump the clutch pedal (I realize that there is air in the lines, but was hopefull). That did not help. I poured more in and noticed that it is pooling underneath the car. I cannot find the leak. I thought it might have been the slave, so I was about to replace it and see what happens, but I notice that the fluid pooled in the crevice of one of the engine mounts, and the slave is below there, so I am thinking there might be a leak elsewhere that I cannot find.

    Any guidance is appreciated- I want to fix this myself.

    M.
     
  2. TTR

    TTR F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 29, 2007
    5,890
    Riverside, CA
    Full Name:
    Timo
    Within last few months I've dealt with similar issue on couple of clients Daytonas (dual circuit system) and in these cases the problem was one (or both) of the metal tubing(s) going to rear. In Daytonas, these lines travel through a larger tube welded to the space-frame structure inside the left rocker-panel and has somewhat of a design flaw by having no drainage for any water that may be accumulated during wet driving conditions, hence eventually rusting the brake line (and fuel return line) tubing(s) from the outside. Not having first-hand experience with 275, but based on how most vintage Ferraris have very similar basic chassis structural design, I wouldn't be surprised if Your problem is quite similar as I've described. I would highly recommend replacement of these (and perhaps all brake and fuel line tubing) on any 30+ year old Ferrari (or any other brand, for that matter), especially if they're still original items.
    Timo
     
  3. whatspeedlimit?

    whatspeedlimit? Formula Junior

    Sep 27, 2007
    418
    Denver, Colorado
    yikes! last time this happened to me, I got to paint the whole engine compartment because the brake fluid melted all the paint off. Luckly it was just an Alfa lol.


    +1 to TTR
    Safest and cheapest(in the long run) thing to do
     
  4. lancia

    lancia Formula Junior

    Jan 18, 2004
    576
    If not mistaken, the hydraulic clutch system of a 275 is limited with respect to the points of potential hydraulic failure: 1) the fluid reservoir itself; 2) the short hose and related clamps connecting the reservoir to the master cylinder fluid inlet; 3) the master cylinder itself at the pedal housing - if it's leaking at the cylinder seals, it may drip fluid past the flange or on your shoes inside the car; 4) the metal line joined to flexible rubber line, the combination of which connects - via a series of fittings - master to slave cylinder, 5) the banjo bolt fluid connection to the slave, and 6) the small slave cylinder itself. The entire hydraulic route is maybe 3 to 4 feet long, so you should not have to look far for the leak. Also, there should be a monster clutch return spring from pedal to pedal housing inside the car. Suggest you have a look at the flexible rubber line and the related fittings as a possibility.
     
  5. massimofinance

    Nov 24, 2004
    39
    Thank you all for the replies. What I am going to do is really clean the entire system and add some more fluid to try to find the leak. Hoping it's just a tube or fitting.
     

Share This Page