Clutch slave cylinder failure is most evident when the slave cylinder fails to actuate properly, or pressure bleeds off while holding the clutch pedal. This means, that as the clutch pedal is held, the slave cylinder will slowly allow the clutch to engage, and the master cylinder is in good condition. Normally, a leaking clutch slave cylinder is a give-away. In most cases it is recommended to change the master cylinder at the same time, as slave cylinder failure may be an indication of overall system condition. It is much more economical to replace both during the same service.
Replacing the clutch slave cylinder requires the fluid from the system is drained from the slave cylinder. Also, it is normally recommended to replace the clutch master cylinder at the same time. After draining the system of fluid, the slave cylinder and master cylinder will be removed from the vehicle, by disconnecting the slave cylinder from the transmission bell housing, and removing the master cylinder from the firewall. The clutch hydraulic line should be removed with the slave cylinder and clutch master cylinder. Once separated from the vehicle, the new components will be fitted, and the line replaced if necessary. Installation is the reverse of removal, and once the system is in place, the system must be bled of air, and tested.
We recommend OEM quality or better replacement parts for the clutch hydraulic system. Inferior products can lead to repeated repairs, and result in greater costs in the future.
The clutch fork easily falls off of many transmissions when the clutch slave cylinder is removed. If the clutch fork is not properly installed, the clutch will not function properly, and damage may result to the clutch throw out bearing.
This task is recommended to the DIYer who completely understands the clutch hydraulic system. If knowledge of this system is lacking, or the procedure for replacing, bleeding, and filling are not understood, this task should be trusted to a certified professional.
A clutch slave cylinder is a component of a hydraulic clutch system on a vehicle with a manual transmission. The slave cylinder is a small, cylindrical pump that remotely receives fluid pressure from the clutch master cylinder.
When you press on the clutch pedal, the master cylinder forces hydraulic fluid through a thin tube to the slave cylinder. The slave cylinder, in turn, applies pressure to the clutch pressure plate to cause it to disengage the transmission from the engine. When you release the pedal, the slave cylinder forces the fluid back to the master cylinder and raises the pedal to its normal position.