Clutch getting stiffer to push ... colder weather?

[ChopstickHero]

This is my first manual transmission car, and I've only had it for about 6 months now. Anyways, seems like in the summer, the clutch was alot easier to push down than now. I just drove it around tonight and on my way back i noticed that the clutch was alot harder to push down. it's not too cold here in Redlands, it's about 60F (15C). but there is definitely a difference between how it is in the day when it's warmer compared to a night like tonite. so is the clutch stiffness due to the weather? or something else related? I have Redline MT90 tranny fluid in there that was put in less than 2 months ago. My clutch still grabs fine and I don't abuse it at all. Suggestions and comments would be helpful!

 

[Dr.Sound]

do u hear noise from the pedal when u push it in?
maybe like rubbing?

it might be that the clutch pedal rod might need lubricating....

i dont think my stock clutch has ever gotten stiffer...

 

[lasermp5]

I've noticed the same on cold mornings...wears off quick though. I think it's normal.

 

[BoOsTiN]

my clutch pedal squeaks

 

[Dr.Sound]

my clutch pedal squeaks

needs lube

 

[ChopstickHero]

do u hear noise from the pedal when u push it in?
maybe like rubbing?

it might be that the clutch pedal rod might need lubricating....

i dont think my stock clutch has ever gotten stiffer...

hear a little creaking when i push it in. not all the time though, just sometimes. i was driving it around today and didn't notice that it was any stiffer. next maintenance i get, i'll ask them to check the clutch.

 

[tekkie]

did you check your brake fluid? maybe its low

mine gets stiffer when it gets cold but I would not consider 60 to be very cold, you should know that from living in Toronto lol

 

[ChopstickHero]

did you check your brake fluid? maybe its low

mine gets stiffer when it gets cold but I would not consider 60 to be very cold, you should know that from living in Toronto lol

yeah, checked my brake fluid... looks fine. i know i know... 60F is not cold.. haha.. it's just colder than the usual +90F... lol

 

[RenzoMSP]

This is my second winter in the msp. I noticed that in cold weather when i release the clutch it seems like it takes longer to go back up. When it warms up everything is fine and dandy. Im talking about real cold weather like 10 degrees.

 

[ZenProtege]

what relationship does brake fluid have with the clutch pedal feeling stiffer?
I occasionaly get the same thing as well, but it never feels that way for long

 

[Hellnightkid]

The stock clutch is very stiff anyway..

 

[ping]

Brake and clutch share hydraulic fluid.

Normal for clutch to be stiffer when cold and to not "release" as quickly (fluid is stiffer, flows less well). Wish it weren't so... fast shifts when cold can result in some temporary additional clutch slip as the clutch is released more gradually than your foot moves. Probably shouldn't be shifting that fast when cold anyway... and yes, I'm talking Pittsburgh cold (from 5-20 deg F). Anything above about 40 and all's well.