clutch problems

['94firebirdv6]

today i was on the hwy cruising at about 70mph for like 30 miles or so and when i went to get on the off ramp. i pulled in the clutch to downshift and the pedal was almost touchin the floor and had about 1/4 of the normal travel. It was also a little more difficult than normal to move the shifter into the next lower gear w/ the clutch in. but it shifted fine...it didnt slip at all. so i went home driving normally at about 50-60 mph slowing down, downshifting, accelerating, upshifting, etc. and everything was fine. it acted completely normal then when i was pullin in my driveway i went to downshift into 1st and the same thing happened: pedal almost on the floor with about 1/4 of the normal travel.
what is wrong with my clutch????
thanks

[hockeyman]

I'll say the clutch hydraulic fluid is low and you'll need to bleed the system.

['94firebirdv6]

ive been hearing some sort of fluid dripping periodically after i shut off my car its not the ac condensation cuz it makes a hissing sound when it hits the pavements...like the fluid is really hot. ill check my hydraulic level tomorrow but how do i check for leaks in the system

[hockeyman]

Originally posted by '94firebirdv6:
how do i check for leaks in the system

Follow the hyd lines from the fluid reseviour to where they bolt into the clutch. Make sure there isn't any fluid on the outside of the lines. Also, after the car is parked overnight, pull it back a few feet and check the ground. Put a piece of cardboard under the car as you park it one night and check it in the morning.

['94firebirdv6]

what tyoe of fluid should i use? can i use brake fluid. i checked my resevoir and it didnt look too low but the fluid was a dark brown colorso im probably gonna flush the whole system

[hockeyman]

Dot-3 brake fluid

['94firebirdv6]

can i use that ATE superblue stuff?
cuz thats what i was gonna flush my brakes with

['94firebirdv6]

???

[hockeyman]

I don't know. I've never used it.