1986 V8 with a clutch slave cylinder bolted onto the outside of the sump area. Clutch works fine as long as you pump it several times before trying to change gear. The slave cylinder is in a good state to show up any external leaks i.e. caked in a thinnish layer of light coloured dried mud, which seems to be pretty much unstained. What usually breaks down first, the master gubbins or the slave? I've got the vehicle up on stands so the slave is easily accessible at the moment, should I change it, or is it more likely to be a problem with the master end of things?

 

Which will or has worn out first, if this was my truck it's a simple choice...replace both the Clutch Slave Cylinder and the Clutch Master Cylinder at the same time. Both parts are available and not expensive.

But if the cost is an issue they (Rimmer Bros, etc) sell Rebuild/Repair Seal Kits for BOTH the Slave Cylinder and the Clutch MC.

Once installed fill with proper fluid and bleed the air out of the system. Then you are back to HAPPY TOWN!

 

Right now I can see the slave & it looks really accessible, just maybe need to hit it with the power washer. Is the master easy to get to? Not too bothered about cost for parts if they're not hyper stupid $$$

 

The Clutch MC is just bolted to the bulkhead (firewall) with 2 bolts. Then the pushrod is mounted to the clutch pedal linkage with a pivot bolt, bush(2), and a nut. There is not much to it.

And as far as the price for the bits goes, for giggles I ONLY looked at Rimmerbros and the slave was about £41.44 inc UK VAT for genuine(aftermarket is less) and the C MC is £26.50 inc UK VAT for aftermarket and £128.38 inc UK VAT for genuine. And they do have the repair kits too.

Also check the condition of the steel clutch fluid pipe. Any rust just replace it.
Personally I would replace it rust or not just do to age.
Good Luck!

 

Wow, what a difference in price between aftermarket and genuine! Thanks for the info :-)

 

Tried topping up the fluid. Reservoir was full already.

Couldn't see any fluid leaks around the slave cylinder or the base of the bellhousing when I had the vehicle up on stands doing the starter motor.

Thinking about what's likely to be inside the clutch cylinders, I figure if the slave was faulty then I would see evidence of fluid loss from the slave, and the reservoir would be less than full to the brim.

So I've come to the conclusion the pedal fade must be due to fluid leaking back past the seals in the master cylinder, back into the reservoir only.

Does that make sense?

I've ordered a full new master cylinder so will see how it goes. Fingers crossed. If no joy will do the slave as well.