clutch slave issues

[schnell944]

Just got back from a trip and noticed a pool of brake fluid on the flood under the tii. I put it on ramps to check things out and noticed that it was damp around the rubber boot of the clutch slave, and a little fluid dripped out when i touched it. the boot is torn at one end. Now, there is no longer any pressure when operating the clutch. I am just wondering if the ripped boot allowed the fluid to come out, causing this problem, or if it is just that the slave is gone all together. I'm assuming the latter, but figured I'd ask. Also, it seems that replacement is pretty straight forward, but if there are any particular tricks, I'd be interested to hear them. TIA!

[02Les]

That boot is just a dust/dirt cover.

[schnell944]

the only thing that concerns me is that it looks like the boot for the clutch master is a bit damp, too. Is this normal? there isn't any fluid streaming out of either of them currently, so I'm not 100% certain which one is the problem. I got some drops out of the slave when i pulled back the boot, however, but the same didn't happen with the master. It's my experiece though that it's usually the slave that has gone. Any ideas for verifying the problem cylinder?

[Chris_B]

The boot for the clutch master should not be damp. Check the inside bottom of the pedal box for fluid. The traditional test is to stick a pencil down at the base of the pedal until it touches the bottom- move it back and forth a bit on the bottom and then pull it out and have a look. It should be dry if the master is OK. Also, you may want to put a news paper down under that area and see where the fluid is dripping from.

Either the master or slave, or both, could be leaking. The boots on both should be dry; it is not normal for fluid to leak past the cylinder.

[schnell944]

thanks for the tip. the pencil trick turned up a damp pencil end. Guess I'll replace both....hope I can get things in order for the BavAuto Show & Shine!