Other XC90 Problem: Clutch problem

[Orangemoon]

OK.. My first post and it's a biggie!
On the way to Paris to see Iron Maiden someone tried to kill me by throwing things at the car as I was driving along at 110kmph... I slammed the brakes/clutch on, so he was no longer next to me..luckily there was no-one behind.. did an emergency stop and on recovering my composure realised I couldn't change gear... Managed to limp home by changing gear with the motor off and then starting it "in gear" The "breakdown" guy said he thought it was the slave cylinder.. Now the question. Is this feasible bearing in mind I've NO fluid loss and no problems beforehand? AND.. Is it a possible DIY and what gear would we need? The car is a 2005 XC90 2.4 D5 S AWD 163hp Manual
HELP!!!
Thanks

[GerryS]

I've had the slave cylinder go. Symptoms were slow loss of fluid (accompanied by slight clutch judder when setting off) and then suddenly the clutch pedal sinks to the floor and doesn't do anything.

Obvious thing to do is check your clutch fluid level. There's a small shared brake/clutch plastic filler tank in the back of the engine bay (on the left hand side, about 10cm from the strut on right hand drive models). You XC90 handbook will show where it is. It'll have separate compartments internally so that you don't lose the brake fluid if the clutch fluid goes.

Also look under the engine to see if it looks wet at all - any sign of clutch/brake fluid on the bottom of the engine, probably near the front.

If the clutch fluid has gone, then it's almost certainly the slave cylinder.

Gerry

[Orangemoon]

Hi.. Thanks for your reply.. No fluid anywhere it shouldn't be.. and no previous symptoms.. A friend has been and had a look and thinks it could be the master cylinder....located behind the clutch pedal?? Bearing in mind I did an emergency stop at about 35mph, he thinks it could be the sudden shock that's forced the internals of the master cylinder to move where they shouldn't.. That make any sense??