Clutch master cylinder

Big lumps of metals and spanners.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Locked
Chris_gaut
Registered user
Posts: 13
Joined: 21 Jun 2013, 02:59
80-90 Mem No: 7828
Location: Eastwood Essex

Clutch master cylinder

Post by Chris_gaut »

How easy is it to replace as I think it is leaking from the top piston. Any tips on replacing without all the fluid for the brakes running out too? or is it a simple job?
1986 autohomes Kamper 1.9 petrol
1990 Doka 1.6td
mk5 golf 1.9td

colinthefox
Registered user
Posts: 889
Joined: 20 Oct 2009, 18:42
80-90 Mem No: 16447
Location: Somerset
Contact:

Re: Clutch master cylinder

Post by colinthefox »

The fluid for the clutch is taken from a tapping at a higher level in the brake fluid reservoir, so if you siphon out just enough fluid so the level is just below the braided pipe to the clutch master, the brakes will still be OK, and you can minimise fluid loss from the clutch master. However all the fluid in the clutch master will leak out when you disconnect the pipes, so have plenty of rags on the floor to soak it all up. The most difficult part of the job is getting the braided hose off the clutch master cylinder. Other than that, it's just a matter of disconnecting the bits and unbolting the cylinder. But it is a nasty place to work down in the footwell.

Before you take all that apart, it's a good idea to make very sure that the bleed nipple on the slave cylinder will unscrew OK, else you won't be able to bleed the system. If it snaps off, you'll have to replace the slave too. If you have to do that you should check that the flexible hose and the short rigid pipe to the slave will undo too.

It's one of those jobs that can grow and grow...............
1.9D (AEF) pop-top. Aaaaahhhhh........that's better.
Image

Chris_gaut
Registered user
Posts: 13
Joined: 21 Jun 2013, 02:59
80-90 Mem No: 7828
Location: Eastwood Essex

Re: Clutch master cylinder

Post by Chris_gaut »

cheers for the heads up. :-)
1986 autohomes Kamper 1.9 petrol
1990 Doka 1.6td
mk5 golf 1.9td

MidLifeCrisis
Registered user
Posts: 566
Joined: 20 Nov 2011, 19:07
80-90 Mem No: 10519
Location: Bagshot, Surrey

Re: Clutch master cylinder

Post by MidLifeCrisis »

Just resurrecting this post as it seems that I might be doing the same job in the very near future.

Any other tips/tricks for how to get the braided hose off? Just brute force and ignorance (which I have plenty of) or any sort of finesse required.

Am I best to unbolt the cylinder first then do the braided hose or vice versa?

(Slave cylinder was replaced last year so there shouldn't be any probs with bleeding)
But any other tip/tricks on bleeding - especially as I will probably be doing this on my own?
Have seen some comments on locking the clutch release lever while bleeding - is this necesary/advised??

Looks like a tight spot under the seat/pedals - joy !!!! :shock:

Cheers all.
1987 Westfalia Van, Petrol 2.0 AGG

User avatar
AdrianC
Registered user
Posts: 2975
Joined: 29 Dec 2010, 21:57
80-90 Mem No: 9144
Location: Living in Hay whilst the Sun pours down.
Contact:

Re: Clutch master cylinder

Post by AdrianC »

Chris_gaut wrote:Any tips on replacing without all the fluid for the brakes running out too? or is it a simple job?

TBH, I'd use it as an excuse for a fluid change anyway. Remember - brake fluid should be changed every two years.
A year and a half living in a Westy hightop... http://www.WhereverTheRoadGoes.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

colinthefox
Registered user
Posts: 889
Joined: 20 Oct 2009, 18:42
80-90 Mem No: 16447
Location: Somerset
Contact:

Re: Clutch master cylinder

Post by colinthefox »

MidLifeCrisis wrote:Any other tips/tricks for how to get the braided hose off?

The harder you try to pull the tube off, the tighter it grips onto the spigot. You have to push it off by levering against the end of the flexi tube with a screwdriver or similar, and with the master cylinder still bolted in place. Then it comes off very suddenly!
1.9D (AEF) pop-top. Aaaaahhhhh........that's better.
Image

MidLifeCrisis
Registered user
Posts: 566
Joined: 20 Nov 2011, 19:07
80-90 Mem No: 10519
Location: Bagshot, Surrey

Re: Clutch master cylinder

Post by MidLifeCrisis »

cheers chaps!
1987 Westfalia Van, Petrol 2.0 AGG

Locked