Clutch Master Cylinder
Clutch Master Cylinder at 1A Auto
What is a Clutch Master Cylinder and where is it Located?
In a vehicle with a manual transmission, there must be some way for the driver to disengage the clutch from the engine flywheel in order to shift gears. In some vehicles this is accomplished via a cable connected to the clutch pedal. In others, this is accomplished through a hydraulic system that includes a clutch master cylinder and a clutch slave cylinder.
When the driver presses on the clutch pedal, it pushes forward a piston inside the master cylinder. This pushes out fluid, essentially the same as brake fluid, which creates hydraulic pressure. Fluid hoses carry that pressure to the slave cylinder, which in turn moves the clutch fork, which in turn disengages the clutch from the flywheel.
The clutch master cylinder can be found inside the engine compartment, attached to the firewall, opposite the clutch pedal. It is usually next to the brake master cylinder, further to the driver’s side of the vehicle.
How do I Know if my Clutch Master Cylinder Needs to be Replaced?
Over time, the seals inside the master cylinder can break down from use and cause fluid to leak out of the system. Without proper fluid levels in the system, the clutch pedal can feel soft and not allow for proper movement of the clutch. A soft pedal is the first sign that something is wrong with the clutch master cylinder. If the pedal feels “spongy” when you press it, this can indicate that there is air in the hydraulic system, which you may be able to solve by bleeding the system. If the pedal sinks to the floor and stays there when you take your foot off, then there is definitely a leak in the clutch system.
If you find that you must frequently refill the fluid reservoir for the clutch master cylinder or that the master cylinder has oily fluid on it, then it likely has a leak. You may also ask an assistant to press the clutch pedal and watch if the fluid level lowers and rises as expected.
If the clutch master cylinder cannot produce enough pressure, then the slave cylinder might not be able to disengage the clutch completely. This may lead to loud noises from the engine compartment while you are stopped and idling. Eventually, if the problem is allowed to get worse, you may be completely unable to shift the vehicle into gear, leaving you immobile and in need of a clutch master cylinder replacement.
Can I Replace a Clutch Master Cylinder Myself?
Yes, it is possible to change your own clutch master cylinder. After doing so, you’ll want to bleed the clutch hydraulics, which will require the help of an assistant. Be sure to have a catch pan ready for any fluid that may drain when you disconnect the master cylinder from the fluid reservoir. Once that is done, you’ll have to disconnect the master cylinder from the clutch pedal and unbolt it from the firewall. Then, just bolt on the new pedal, reconnect everything, refill the hydraulic fluid, and bleed the system and you’ll be all set.