Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
After picking up my car (50,000 miles), I was driving home on the highway and the clutch pedal went all the way down to the floorboard. This happened three times with I was downshifting on exit ramps. This happened again last week and I limped to the dealership. They reported that it was my clutch going out and they wouldn’t even look at the car. In researching, I learned I’m among a lot of other drivers having this clutch slave cylinder problem. Could you please tell me what to do to get this fixed?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2012 Nissan 370Z. The clutch assembly shouldn’t be worn out at 50,000 miles unless the vehicle has been abused. There are many concerns for vehicles that match your model year with the same complaint and it seems the plastic clutch slave cylinder has come up a lot. You may want to check in with your local dealer if there are any recalls on the car related to this issue. If you would like to have this inspected by an expert, a trained professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose your clutch problem and let you know what should be done.
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The most common issue for clutch master and slave cylinders is contamination of the hydraulic fluid or even the wrong type of hydraulic fluid being used. The smallest drop of contaminant, such as engine oil, gearbox oil, washer fluid or antifreeze can cause the rubber seals within the cylinder to swell up overtime.
If the clutch slave cylinder develops any sort of leak internally or externally it may cause the pedal to feel spongy or mushy. The pedal may also sink all the way to the floor and stay there when depressed, and may not be able to properly disengage the clutch so the transmission can be safely shifted.
In most loose clutch cases with a hydraulic system, it is a probably an issue with the master cylinder. Internal or external damage to the cylinder can cause the hydraulic fluid to leak out and it simply will not perform properly once the fluid is too low. Sometimes, it is simply a worn seal that needs to be replaced.
“Riding” the clutch is the most common reason for premature clutch failure. Even the slightest pressure on the pedal will partially disengage the clutch, causing the release bearing, pressure plate and flywheel to overheat.
Like the disks, it is subject to wear. However, when damage occurs, the CSC cannot be repaired – replacing the slave cylinder is the only option.
Yes it may cause problems. You could put stress on the transmission input shaft and gears, the engine crankshaft and the drive train of the vehicle. Some of these components could get broken.
That said, there`s really no defined time period for clutch slave cylinder replacement – it`s not a part of your regular maintenance. Chances are that if you own your vehicle for long enough, or if you`ve bought an older vehicle, it`s not unreasonable to think that at some point, the slave cylinder will begin to leak.
Even if there is no external leak, slave cylinders can go bad internally.
Broken Clutch Cable: The most common reason to have a clutch pedal that goes all the way to the floor is a broken clutch cable. This is extremely common, particularly on older cars. Replacing the cable will allow you to engage the clutch and change gears once more.
Driving a car with a faulty clutch can cause further damage to your gearbox, starter motor or shifter. It is important to resolve any damage spotted with your clutch. However, it is still essential to know how to drive a car with no clutch.
Slip, judder, drag on spain and fierceness are the four main clutch faults, which are considered briefly as follows.
A faulty clutch can lead to poor transmission performance, and if left untreated, it can result in damage to your transmission, or your vehicle`s flywheel – both of which are expensive to repair. If you notice a dramatic delay when shifting between gears, get your car inspected right away.
Bad driving habits: Riding the clutch, pulling loads that are too heavy for your vehicle, driving in the wrong gear and placing your vehicle in reverse or first gear with the engine off are all poor motoring habits that can cause damage to the flywheel.
Press the clutch as far down as you can and take your foot off. It should come back up to its starting position quickly. However, if it gets stuck or comes up slowly, then it`s starting to wear out. You should also feel even resistance in the pedal as you press it down.
If it is found under the clutch area of the engine/transmission, it`s the slave cylinder that has worn and failed. Clutch master cylinder failures tend to leak clutch fluid onto the carper above the driver foot pedal area. There will be a bit of an acrid odor in the vehicle if this occurs.
Sudden failure is most often caused by a broken or loose clutch cable, linkable or a failed hydraulic master/slave cylinder. There can also be leaks in the hydraulic line or even the disc could be contaminated with something like dirt or debris.
Sudden failure is most often caused by a broken or loose clutch cable, linkable or a failed hydraulic master/slave cylinder. There can also be leaks in the hydraulic line or even the disc could be contaminated with something like dirt or debris.
What Might Fail? Leaks are the most frequent problem that affects clutch slave cylinders since hydraulics are necessary for their proper operation. The component may eventually deteriorate from repeated use, enabling the transmission fluid inside to leak out.
That said, there`s really no defined time period for clutch slave cylinder replacement – it`s not a part of your regular maintenance. Chances are that if you own your vehicle for long enough, or if you`ve bought an older vehicle, it`s not unreasonable to think that at some point, the slave cylinder will begin to leak.
What Might Fail? Leaks are the most frequent problem that affects clutch slave cylinders since hydraulics are necessary for their proper operation. The component may eventually deteriorate from repeated use, enabling the transmission fluid inside to leak out.
Even if there is no external leak, slave cylinders can go bad internally.
That said, there`s really no defined time period for clutch slave cylinder replacement – it`s not a part of your regular maintenance. Chances are that if you own your vehicle for long enough, or if you`ve bought an older vehicle, it`s not unreasonable to think that at some point, the slave cylinder will begin to leak.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Clutch pedal stays to floor. Replaced master cylinder. Clutch push rod broke. Also do I need to change slave cylinder
ANSWER : If you have an issue with your clutch pedal going to the floor, the slave cylinder is normally the cause of this circumstance.
Also, if the push rod has been broken the first step would be to track down a new one because that push rod is a very necessary part of the clutch pedal system.
Once a new push rod has been located and installed, I would recommend having a new slave cylinder installed as well.
If you are in doubt about this repair, I would recommend having it performed by a qualified professional, such as one from YourMechanic. One of our mobile technicians will be able to come to your home to diagnose the issue with your clutch pedal and replace your clutch slave cylinder as necessary.
Read Full Q/A … : Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
Clutch pedal goes to the floor and doesn’t return
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for your question. You could watch the clutch fluid as it mentions in the test, but this really doesn’t tell you much. Most of the time this is caused by a bad clutch master cylinder. If the fluid level is low the first thing to do would be to locate the leak. If the fluid is full then I watch to see that he clutch slave is moving when the clutch is pressed. If it is and if it is releasing but the pedal stays down then that is another reason to change the clutch master. If the clutch slave and fork are not releasing then it may have an internal clutch failure. If you would like help getting this inspected or repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to perform the inspection and make or suggest any repairs needed.
Read Full Q/A … : Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
Clutch not working after replacing slave cylinder and master cylinder
ANSWER : Hello. We will be happy to help you with your vehicle. It sounds like you have a problem with your throw out bearing. You would likely need to drop the transmission once again and check that the installation of the throwout bearing is proper. You may also try to peel back the boot around the slave cylinder to see inside of the transmission. By doing so you may be able to see possible damages on the throwout bearing. It will be a great idea to use a stethoscope before you take the vehicle back apart to help pinpoint exactly what portion of the transmission coming from. Another very important thing that you should check are your axle’s, make sure they are seated correctly inside of the transmission.
Read Full Q/A … : Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2012 Nissan 370Z. The clutch assembly shouldn’t be worn out at 50,000 miles unless the vehicle has been abused. There are many concerns for vehicles that match your model year with the same complaint and it seems the plastic clutch slave cylinder has come up a lot. You may want to check in with your local dealer if there are any recalls on the car related to this issue. If you would like to have this inspected by an expert, a trained professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose your clutch problem and let you know what should be done.
Read Full Q/A … : Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
My clutch is not working Entire clutch repair or clutch master cylinder repair? How do I check the cylinder?
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the slave cylinder to the clutch and see if the piston is all the way out. If the piston is all the way out or its not touching the clutch fork, then the release bearing has broken and the fork has moved into the clutch. If the slave cylinder is relaxed and the fork is against it, then the clutch pressure plate has sprung a pressure spring. If the pedal can go down but not all the way to the floor, then the clutch needs replaced with a new release bearing. If you need further assistance with a clutch replacement, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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I have no clutch it goes to the floor and I cannot find the slave master cylinder for the clutch master cylinder please send pics
ANSWER : The reservoir supplying the fluid to both cylinders is the brake master cylinder reservoir. However, adequate fluid there means nothing as a diagnostic. The clutch slave and/or master cylinder could be leaking internally (no visible external leak) or there could be air in the clutch hydraulic system that will have to be bled out. There are other mechanical causes of the clutch pedal going to the floor but in your circumstances that hydraulic circuit should be looked at first. If you desire a diagnostic, and repair of this issue, right at your location, please request a clutch system inspection. If you request that inspection, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
Master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder replaced
ANSWER : Unfortunately, using the same plastic clutch slave cylinder assembly the vehicle was manufactured with will cause the same results if the vehicle is abused. The plastic part is very strong, but cannot withstand the heat and pressure from hard driving. You may be able to do some research and find a higher performance part produced by an aftermarket company, as some companies specialize in manufacturing upgraded parts for higher performance. If you would like some assistance with this, one of the technicians from YourMechanic can come to your location to inspect the shaking problem and let you know what repairs are needed.
Read Full Q/A … : Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
My clutch slave cylinder is releasing on its own without releasing the clutch pedal
ANSWER : The problem is not in the slave cylinder if you have no leaks but in the clutch master cylinder. The fluid pressure is leaking internally and releasing pressure. Replace the clutch master cylinder and bleed clutch.
Read Full Q/A … : Clutch slave cylinder causes clutch pedal malfunction
