Clutch slave cylinder: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace clutch slave cylinder

Manufacturers do not specify exact operational lifetime limit for the clutch slave cylinder. Usually, component replacement is performed at body damages, which lead to leakage of braking liquid, and also if scratches, abrasion signs and corrosion of the cylinder inner surface are found. These defects may appear as a result of frequent transportation of heavy cargo or due to improper car exploitation: habits of high revs starting and long-lasting holding of the clutch turned off.

Lowering of working fluid level, excessively soft clutch pedal travel, partial or full drop of the pedal to the floor, troubled gear changing are indicating on a presence of component defects. Also, defectiveness of the clutch slave cylinder may be indicated by screeching or vibration of the gear lever at pressing the clutch pedal.

It is recommended to fill new working liquid during component replacement. It is advisable to perform the procedure at a service station. Thus you can be sure that air-locks won’t appear in the system during liquid replacement.

How to select clutch slave cylinder

According to production material of the body, the clutch slave cylinders are divided to steel, aluminum, cast iron and plastic. The steel and cast iron components are more resistant to deformation. While lightweight aluminum and plastic reduce kerb weight of the car, which improves its operational characteristics. Moreover, the aluminum cylinders are more resistant to corrosion, than the steel ones, and the plastic ones are not subject to corrosion at all.

In order to make the clutch drive serve long and faultlessly, give preference to spare parts from proven manufacturers. High-quality wear-resistant slave cylinders are presented in assortment of Vaico, Mapco, TRW, Bosch, Japanparts and other well-known companies.

During selection of the clutch slave cylinder it is important to take into account the brand, data about the engine, body, manufacturing year of the car. This determines characteristics of needed spare part: shape and fastening type of the part, its diameter and weight. Also it is necessary to take into account rod length, and thread parameters of the part.