Clutch not engaging, help needed

[trident1231]

Hey guys, I have a 2000 tj. Last night I reversed it, put it in 1st, came to a stop sign, then the clutch felt soft and I couldn't put it in gear(when I tried to push it in, it grinded) i did notice the clutch slightly grabbing quicker the past week or so. When the engines not running I can put it in gear, clutch still feels soft. When I try to start it in gear, the car jumps forward. Im thinking its the master clutch and slave, I did replace my upper steering shaft a few days back, could it be something else?
Any help is appreciated (new to all of this, I bought this tj as a project, it drove fine for the past 2 months)

 

[CharlesHS]

Remove the clutch master cylinder cap and check the fluid level.
IF the fluid level is normal; the slave cylinder or clutch master cylinder fluid pressure may be bypassing internally.
If the fluid level is low; look for leaks at the slave cylinder and master cylinder back (where the engagement rod pushes on clutch master cylinder).

 

[trident1231]

Remove the clutch master cylinder cap and check the fluid level.
IF the fluid level is normal; the slave cylinder or clutch master cylinder fluid pressure may be bypassing internally.
If the fluid level is low; look for leaks at the slave cylinder and master cylinder back (where the engagement rod pushes on clutch master cylinder).

No leaking, fluid was at the right level

 

[CharlesHS]

No leaking, fluid was at the right level

Then test for slave cylinder operation by having an assistant watch the slave cylinder while pressing the clutch pedal.

 

[trident1231]

Then test for slave cylinder operation by having an assistant watch the slave cylinder while pressing the clutch pedal.

Do I remove it out if the transmission that connects to it with the 2 bolts? Then check?

 

[macleanflood]

Do I remove it out if the transmission that connects to it with the 2 bolts? Then check?

Nope or it'll shoot out the slug.

Just watch and see how far the lever moves.

-Mac

 

[trident1231]

Nope or it'll shoot out the slug.

Just watch and see how far the lever moves.

-Mac

Ah gotchu , thanks

 

[CharlesHS]

IF it doesn’t move enough or at all the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder are internally bypassing fluid which doesn’t allow pressure to build to move to slave cylinder rod enough to disengage the clutch disc.

 

[trident1231]

IF it doesn’t move enough or at all the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder are internally bypassing fluid which doesn’t allow pressure to build to move to slave cylinder rod enough to disengage the clutch disc.

I replaced the entire clutch master cylinder and slave assembly. Works now!

 

[cpwolf]

I replaced the entire clutch master cylinder and slave assembly. Works now!

Good call, did this about 6 weeks ago, shocked to have an issue that took one part, one fix, done, ha.