Clutch pedal so stiff now feels like it takes BOTH legs to press down on it

Owned my 96 Tacoma for 5 years and I've put on 100,000 miles on it. Last couple months I've had to use my right leg to start the car because the pedal has to be pushed all the way down to the floor to start it and my left leg is absolutely shot and cannot do it (My kneecap is dislocated).

Why is my clutch pedal so damn hard to push down? I've heard very cold weather can thicken the fluid, but it's still warm out here. I've also heard a stiff clutch pedal can be caused by a worn pressure plate that will soon go out.

Several Tacoma posts say a "worn slave cylinder" would cause a clutch pedal to be stiff. I thought just the opposite would happen; if the slave cylinder is worn shouldn't you have a "soft and spongey" pedal instead of a stiff pedal?
This weekend I'm actually going to poke my head down there and see if the bushings need to be lubed and replaced. Is there an article on how to do this?

Also, me and springs do not get along. Do I need to worry about any springs that won't go back into place once it's removed.

All advice appreciated.

 

Years ago, on my Sons Eclipse, He was driving it when the clutch pedal refused to be pushed down. He pulled over and called me. I went over and sure enough, it was solid. I knew right then what had happened, but don't ask me how I knew. Went back to the house and got a wrench and loosened the bleeder valve and a bunch of fluid shot out. Then the pedal acted as normal. We replaced the slave cylinder, and all was well.

 

It should not be that hard to push.

Did the bracket crack causing things to bind

I feel for you my left knee hurts so bad I was not sure I was going to make it home yesterday.

 

I tried to poke my head down under the dash today, but I couldn't get up the energy to squirm around upside down on the front seat. Will try again tomorrow.

Still don't understand how a bad and worn out slave cylinder would be "stiff". You'd think a worn slave cylinder would push to the bottom with no resistance exactly because it is worn out.

 

you get fluid past the o rings not only do you need to move the piston but push against the fluid in the wrong place as well.

I have seen strange things maybe the clutch fork is really dry on the pivot ball.

hearing any strange noises at all?

 

Throw out bearing messed up, maybe? Just a guess.

 

Clutch cover (pressure plate) good possibility. Lot of miles?

 

If the pressure plate goes there may be clutch chatter to help identify the issue

 

Maybe is possible.

 

I've had both knees dislocated multiple times. When that happens I can't even stand, much less walk. And that's after I nearly pass out from the initial pain, before I can put it back in place.

You are one tough hombre if you are getting around with a dislocated knee!

 

My Foxbody Mustang was like that. I replaced the clutch, and then got a knee replacement

 

Is everyone in this thread like 100 years old? The wars over, you can get new parts for your body.

Just kidding, being goofy tonight due to my medication. Old age got me too

 

I never thought the fluid could push past and make it very stiff. Thanks for the advice.

 

I think it may have original clutch, though that does not seem possible after 26 years. Clutch does not grab or slip or make any noise. Maybe fluid pressure has built up in the slave cylinder. so many damn things to be replaced and lubed and no room to work on it. Guess I'll keep driving until it wont then have someone who knows what their doing tear into it and fix it.

 

clutch works and shifts well. Wish I could fit in there and tear everything out and put fresh bushings and a slave cylinder in.