Clutch failure M44

[Barry Gadd]

Just got a real surprise....
Finished working on my hood (had to respray the front bar fixing the hood to the top of the windscreen) and then decided to move the car into a better parking position on my drive.
My foot went straight to the floor with no resistance from the clutch pedal.
The combined brake / clutch reservoir is up to the normal level.
There is no evidence of fluid leakage from either the master or slave unit.
Reading what I can find, it looks like the clutch master cylinder has failed probably due to the internal piston rubber seal giving up the ghost.
Before I rush out and replace this, can any body confirm or advise otherwise???
nb prior to this the clutch has been working fine. No problems seen at all.

 

[Brian H]

Have you had the slave cylinder out to check? I have heard of the push rod that connects the slave cylinder to the clutch fork dropping out but this usually happens after to form of tinkering with the slave cylinder.

 

[Barry Gadd]

Hi,
Thanks for getting back.
I've not touched the slave cylinder since replacing the complete engine approx 1 year ago.
I've focussed on tidying the bodywork up over the past months.
I'm tempted to get another master cylinder but I will have another look at the slave cylinder first.

 

[Barry Gadd]

Hi Brian
I did have a look at the slave cylinder and although the push rod was located as it should be there was a lot of oil visible when I took the unit out.
Looks like the piston rubber has failed.
I've ordered a replacement slave cylinder which I hope to fit this weekend. I hope it won't be too frustrating a job to bleed.
Oh what fun.........

 

[Brian H]

Glad you found the issue Barry, A tip when bleeding the slave cylinder is to pop in the push rod and compress it fully with a clamp, attach the hose then bleed the system. After you have bled the system you can remove the clamp but do not push the clutch pedal until you have it fitted back on the car!

If you fit the slave cylinder in position on the car and try to bleed the system the bleed nipple is located on the underside of the slave cylinder and you never quite get all the air out.

Good luck

Edit, if you still have the original hose change it to a Stainless Steel one while your at it, probably an extra £15 - £20? but you will feel the benefit.