Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement
What is a clutch master cylinder?
The hydraulic clutch uses a clutch master cylinder to compress fluid inside the system, causing the slave cylinder to operate the clutch.
How does the clutch master cylinder work?
The clutch pedal is a lever that increases the amount of force you apply. When the clutch is pressed, the clutch 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.
Low levels of clutch fluid or a need to top off the fluid are often signs of a problem with the clutch master cylinder.
The vehicle may become hard to shift if the clutch master cylinder is failing. It may need to be replaced.
What are the symptoms related to a bad clutch master cylinder?
If the clutch master cylinder fails, the clutch pedal may float to the floor when held, 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 master cylinder. In most cases, the clutch pedal will have little to no effect on the clutch.
Can I drive with a clutch master cylinder problem?
Driving a vehicle without a working clutch is only possible if the transmission is shifted improperly, and push-started at every stop. While this may save a few dollars on wrecker services, it can cost the replacement of the manual transmission. It is better to have the vehicle towed, than risk further damage.