Clutch Slave Cylinder Only?

[gruizer]

Hey guys,

 

I have noticed that the fluid in my brake fluid reservoir has been going down and it seems to be ending up on my garage floor.  I ruled out a brake line issue when I replaced the drum cylinders in the rear and bled the system looking for leaks.  I noticed that I was starting to get a soft clutch pedal until I refilled the reservoir.  I crawled under the car today and grabbed this photo.  It looks like it's time to replace my slave cylinder.  My question is if this is one of those "while you're in there" situations and just go ahead and replace the master as well?  Looking at the photo, it looks like it's fine and I did the pencil test in the pedal box with no moisture on it at all.  If I do replace the slave and not the master, are there any other must replace parts that I should order so I don't get half way done and realize I should have replaced it too?  As a side note, I snapped a photo of my wet steering box and wanted to know if it looks like it needs a rebuild?  Thanks in advance guys! 

Edited December 18, 2021 by gruizer

['76mintgrün'02]

Yes, while you are in there it is a good idea to put a new clutch master in, as well as a new flex line between the two.  (it's easy to spend your money for you)

 

I wouldn't be surprised if you found some fluid inside the master cylinder's rubber boot.  I'd like a rubber boot with a drain tube that runs out a hole in the bottom of my puddle box.  I've had issues with leaking clutch master cylinders.

 

I also had a leaking steering box and fixed it with new seals.  That was the extent of my "rebuild" and it no longer leeks and stears just fine.

You might need a substantial puller to remove the steering arm from the box, but after that, it is pretty easy going.

Tom

[71bmr02]

If the clutch master and slave are the same age i'd replace both esp if it known the slave is leaking .  if the master has been replaced recently you'll likey need to replace the slave only.  if age of either is unknown  i'd replace both.   relplacing the clutch master cylinder isn't a necessarily easy job however.

[Mike Self]

1 minute ago, 71bmr02 said:

If the clutch master and slave are the same age i'd replace both esp if it known the slave is leaking .

+1 If you replace the slave cylinder, then the M/C will become the weak link.  And a leaking clutch M/C will eventually fill your pedal bucket with brake fluid, which will cause it to rust out.  Ask me how I learned that!

 

I did a column some time ago with a few tricks on replacing both cylinders; PM me if you'd like a copy.

 

cheers

mike

[gruizer]

You guys are the BEST!  Thank you for the quick, knowledgeable responses.  Since that master looks to be the original and/or don’t know the age of it, I will bite the bullet and replace both plus the flex hose. 
 

Thanks for the feedback on the steering box too, looks like I’ll need to at least grab some new seals and monitor from there. 
 

Mike, pm coming your way!

[M3M3]

and if your brake hoses are as ancient as your clutch hose, it is WAY past time to replace those also.....

[gruizer]

My wife isnt gonna let me hang out with you guys with all the money I’m spending! ?

Edited December 18, 2021 by gruizer

[Buckeye]

Run your fingers underneath master cylinder where is connected to the booster see if your fingers getting wet. That saturation on top of the steering box could possibly be from leaky master cylinder.

[jibarnes]

While you are in that deep, might as well remove and rebuild the pedal box and while it's empty strip it and paint it.

 

[gruizer]

You guys are killing me!  Well my wallet at least

[Leucadian]

1 hour ago, jibarnes said:

While you are in that deep, might as well remove and rebuild the pedal box and while it's empty strip it and paint it.

 

 

+1 to replace them both.  I only replaced my master, and not the slave, ended up causing the slave to fail shortly after.

 

I also rebuilt my pedal box at the same time.  Easily one of the most satisfying, and rewarding jobs you can work on in our cars.

[gruizer]

Sorry for the late update.  I did order a new Slave and Master cylinder as well as a stainless flex line from Blunt.  When Blunt realized that they didn't have the flex line in stock and it would have to ship weeks later, they offered a superior brand at the same cost.  Bluntech has some amazing customer service (I manage a customer service team, it's not easy). 

 

I got a PM from  @Mike Self with his very detailed write up and it made the whole process super easy.  Mike, you sir are a Rockstar on this forum!  I don't know how many of us you have helped along the way but I can't thank you enough. 

 

Here is a picture of my new parts installed.  The whole clutch system works like a champ!