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Clutch Fluid Leak

Fluid under the pedal area, near the gearbox or a falling level in the clutch reservoir usually means a leaking master or slave cylinder in the hydraulic clutch.

High risk

Have it checked promptly. On many cars, the clutch shares fluid with the brakes, so a leak can also lower the brake fluid level.

Short answer · How do I know my clutch is leaking fluid?

Hydraulic clutches use brake fluid. A leak at the master cylinder shows as wet carpet near the clutch pedal; at the slave cylinder it drips near the gearbox. The pedal may feel soft, stay down or fail to release the clutch fully, making gear changes hard.

On this page

Safe checks you can do

  1. Check the fluid reservoirIf clutch and brakes share a reservoir, check the level against the marks.
  2. Look under the pedalsWet carpet or drips near the clutch pedal point to the master cylinder.
  3. Feel the pedalA soft, spongy pedal or one that stays down suggests air or a leak.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Is the pedal soft or sticking down?Fluid loss or air.
  2. Are gear changes difficult?The clutch may not release fully.
  3. Is the brake fluid low too?Shared reservoir; check brakes too.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Leaking slave cylinderDrips near the gearbox.
  2. Leaking master cylinderFluid on the pedal box.
  3. Damaged pipe or hoseWet line under the car.
  4. Loose connectionAfter repair work.

Questions about Clutch Fluid Leak

Is clutch fluid the same as brake fluid?

In most cars yes, the clutch uses brake fluid.

Can I keep topping it up?

Only to reach a workshop. Fix the leak, because brakes may share the same fluid.