I recently tried to start my 88 Bronco. I had barely touched the clutch pedal when it snapped back to the firewall and stayed there. I had to be towed home because the rear wheels are locked. I'm assuming that's because it's still in first gear which is the gear I put it in to park. I can move the gear shift to any position I want but it won't go into neutral. I can pull the clutch pedal back up and it will stay in that position until I just barely put pressure on it and then it snaps right back to the firewall. Can anybody tell me what's broken please?

 

3 possibilities to this one....

1-Did you use your parking brake? It's possible that your parking brake is stuck either from freezing or age if not used enough. The parking brake only engages one rear wheel.

2-The wheel bearing could be bad. If you have noticed a "howling" noise coming from your car lately while driving it is a possibility.

3-Brake could be frozen. When you drive your brakes heat up with use. If there is water on the pads, rotors/drums, components when you park in freezing temps the water will freeze.

If it's very cold where you are try moving the car to a warm garage to let it thaw and dry. If that doesn't do it you will need to visit a good auto repair shop. I suggest you a best auto repair shop i.e. Transmission Experts, to have your wheel bearings and brakes inspected/replaced. They are really helpful.

 

the brakes doesn't have anything to do with the clutch nor will it ever have. this person's problem ain't stopping the truck it's getting it to shift from one gear to the next. the slave cylinder just quit is all that went wrong with it that's why when they tried to start it and pushed in the clutch pedal it went straight to the floor and didn't return to the up position. or it's the master cylinder for the clutch. and yes it will go into neutral if it goes into any other gear

 

Thank you guys for responding. I've had several people suggest the slave cylinder to me. I replaced the master cylinder to the clutch about five years ago and as I was only driving it about once a week at that time, just to keep everything lubed, I don't think I've really put enough miles on it to wear it out yet. I"ve been driving it steadily for the past year but don't have 15,000 on that cylinder yet. It has also been suggested to me that it may be the linkage. (?)

 

It seems there are possibly two problems.
I believe there is a problem with the shift linkage. If the shift lever is on the steering column a rod may have come out of it's normal location and if it is a floor shift there is the same possibility. If you were to get under the vehicle you may be able to see it.
Did you check the clutch master cylinder for being full with fluid? The rubber cups in the master and slave cyl will deteriorate with time and either one could be defective at this time. The clutch pedal goes to the floor because there is an equalizer spring at the clutch pedal to assist depressing the clutch, but with no resistance from the hydraulics or linkage it goes to the floor.

 

I think it's time you had the slave cylinder replaced with a new one and see if that doesn't fix the problem

 

Mr. Grindman you are right gain. Had the slave cylinder and clutch replaced and am on the road again. Thank you everyone for your time and assistance. Greatly appreciated. Paula