Clutch Master Cylinder

[windysurfer]

On my way back from GOTH last week I noticed a drip of hydroloc fluid on my driver mat.
I had a look when I arrived home but couldn't work out where it was coming from.
I've just read the "on hols in skegness Fluid in Drivers footwell" thread and gone and checked my clutch master cylinder and there is a sight leak.

I'm going to get one ordered asap but I don't think I'll have time to fit it before York next weekend.
Is it likely to just pack up and stop working or will it last the 200 mile round trip?

If I do get time to swap it over does the fluid pipe just pull off the back?
Is it ok to clamp this pipe with mole grips to reduce fluid loss?
Any other tips to make the job easier?

cheers

Gaz

[jamesc76]

The biggest thing to remember is that the clutch gets its fluid from the same res as the brakes! It wont kill ya brakes as it take fluid from half way up the res, but make sure that its topped up! Your clutch should still work, tho the leak could get worse and you loos the clutch completly! Its a job you cant predict what happens!

[windysurfer]

I've check the fluid level and it's still on max so I've not lost a lot of fluid as yet.
Hopefully I'll have chance to change it but a lot depends on the bloody weather

[dazwatson]

Its only a 20 min job, i did mine, crimped the pipe at the top behind the dash. unbolt the brake pipe + 2 bolts that hold it on.

[windysurfer]

Just ordered a new one so hopefully I'll get chance to do it on Tuesday.Just given bolts/bleed nipple a squirt of plusgas

Its only a 20 min job, i did mine, crimped the pipe at the top behind the dash. unbolt the brake pipe + 2 bolts that hold it on.

Thats what I like to hear

[jamesc76]

Give the bleed nipple on the slave cylinder a blast of penatrating oil too as you'll need to bleed the system!

[windysurfer]

It was the first think I sprayed and it now opens OK

[windysurfer]

Right, I've change the cylinder over and although it's a bit fiddly not to hard.
I have noticed that there is a bit of movement in my pedal before it actually does anything.About an inch at the pedal.
In the manual it says, just undo the locking nut and unscrew to lengthen plunger
How the hell do you get a spanner on the nut. Looks like you need to be a gynecologist with the hands of a 12 year old!!

Any tips?

cheers

Gaz

[VWCamperfan]

No tips at all whatsoever!
Had to do this myself as had same amount of play and it should only be between 0.5 and 1mm!
Try heating an old spanner of the correct size so just the end bends over. Think I was about to do that as a next resort.
Now... all you have to do is figure out whose hands I've got!

[windysurfer]

I give up, its lashing with raining, going dark and I'm fed up of working upside down.
I remove quite a bit of play by undoing the bolts and shoving the cylinder up as far as it would go.
Clutch works fine so I think I'll leave it as it is