Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement
What is a clutch slave cylinder?
Hydraulic clutches use a clutch slave cylinder to operate the clutch when the clutch pedal is pressed. The slave cylinder also forces the clutch pedal to return to the raised position when released.
How does the clutch slave cylinder work?
The clutch pedal is a lever that increases the amount of force you apply. When the clutch is pressed, the master cylinder pushes fluid through the line, and into the slave cylinder on the other end. The slave cylinder pushes on the clutch fork, which disengages the clutch. When the clutch pedal is released, the clutch pushes the slave cylinder closed, forcing fluid back into the master cylinder, which lifts the clutch pedal and provides the force felt when pressing the clutch.
The vehicle may become hard to shift if the clutch slave cylinder is failing. It may need to be replaced.
Low levels of clutch fluid or a need to top off the fluid are often signs of a problem with the clutch slave cylinder.
The clutch fluid should be flushed until clean and clear during this replacement.
What are the symptoms related to a bad clutch slave cylinder?
If the clutch slave cylinder fails, the clutch pedal may float to the floor, and the vehicle may attempt forward motion with the vehicle stopped and in gear. The clutch will attempt to engage as the fluid escapes compression in the slave cylinder, normally through a leak. In most cases, the clutch pedal will have little to no effect on the clutch.