My oldest daughter really likes her 2003 Saturn Ion Quad Coupe and it has been quite a good reliable vehicle albeit with Dad's maintenance and needed repairs.
This call was made from the parking lot at her apartment complex. The initial description had me thinking that the clutch master cylinder had failed and the initial inspection did not show any fluid leaks. The slave cylinder/throwout bearing is inside the transmission and therefore not accessible nor viewable. I replaced the master cylinder and struggled to bleed it which is a common issue with these as the bleeder just outside the transmission case and to bleed it the plastic tube is unlocked and pulled out about 1/4". Not the best in my opinion. I replaced the MC and attempted to bleed it using a MityVac to no avail. This led me to have it towed to the house.
At the house I used my shop air vacuum bleeder as well as my pressure bleeder without success. This led me to visit my former employer and get the GM MC and was then able to bleed it and get clutch pressure. This was short-lived as when I went to return it there was no clutch.
So, the only other component in the system is the slave cylinder which happens to be hidden in the transmission.
The transmission removal, while a bit complex requiring it to be dropped out the bottom after removing the cradle is not too difficult. … as long as you have the necessary tools and a hoist or engine cradle.
Disassembly, and the new spot under the transmission, pretty much proved the slave cylinder/throwout bearing was to blame. I was surprised to see that the clutch disc showed minimal wear after more than 170K miles.
The kit (disc, pressure plate, slave cylinder) is on its way and I’ll have it back on the road next week.