Clutch Master and Slave Cyls, When to Replace?

[mpeezy]

Hi all, in a debate with a friend wondering your thoughts.

I have a 00 5speed with 190k miles on it, owned it for a couple months and it’s on the original clutch master and slave cylinders. Clutch itself + flywheel done about 100k miles ago.

He thinks it’s a good idea to replace in the name of preventative maintenance, I’m more in the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” frame of mind.

What do yall think?

 

[Pyral]

It's a 25 year old part, so I wouldn't say replacing it before it died would be a huge waste. But I wouldn't replace either just for having 190k miles because both can last a lot longer when maintained, and they dont go from working to not working all at once like the LBJs do.

The only exception is the plastic reservoir on the clutch master, if it is developing cracks then go ahead. The slave cylinder rarely fails, and if it does it shouldn't rapidly fail.

I can get preemptively buying parts if you think they'll go out of production or increase in price drastically for some reason.

 

[fourwd1]

Both parts typically start to leak rather than fail all at once.

 

[TucsonMike]

I have a 2000 5 speed as well. A few years ago on way home from work my master cylinder gave out, clutch pedal unexpectedly stuck to the floor and wouldn't return on its own. I limped it home and replaced both master and slave. I had about 198k at the time. I now have 330k and have bought a new master and clutch for backup. They R not too expensive. I would at least buy a set so when yours goes out ur have the parts. One thing I didn't do on my old system that I do now is every 50k or so I siphon out the fluid and replenish it. Not sure if it will increase the longevity or not, but I like to think so . I have had other different cars where the same thing has occurred with clutch master cylinder suddenly going out on drive home without any warning, so it could happen to you. Good luck
MikeM

 

[brillo_76]

I personally never replace those Clutch parts unless they leak or the seals go bad. Mostly, you can rebuild both of those parts with new plungers and o rings. (Provided those parts are available) I have only ever had 1 master cylinder and and 2 slaves leak over the last 30 plus years, Plus only 1 master cylinder Brake plunger go. Just a handful of wheel cylinders and mostly people do not rebuild those anymore.. Clutch slave cylinder repair kit under $20.00 The master cylinder repair kit under $50.00. Should be all you would need. The o-rings wear out and that's when the leaking starts. :-(

 

[mpeezy]

I have a 2000 5 speed as well. A few years ago on way home from work my master cylinder gave out, clutch pedal unexpectedly stuck to the floor and wouldn't return on its own. I limped it home and replaced both master and slave. I had about 198k at the time. I now have 330k and have bought a new master and clutch for backup. They R not too expensive. I would at least buy a set so when yours goes out ur have the parts. One thing I didn't do on my old system that I do now is every 50k or so I siphon out the fluid and replenish it. Not sure if it will increase the longevity or not, but I like to think so . I have had other different cars where the same thing has occurred with clutch master cylinder suddenly going out on drive home without any warning, so it could happen to you. Good luck
MikeM

i like the idea of regularly changing fluid. the thought of them suddenly giving out is keeping me up haha. thanks!

 

[brillo_76]

i like the idea of regularly changing fluid. the thought of them suddenly giving out is keeping me up haha. thanks!

That is always a given. As its considered regular maintenance. Just like Brake fluid need checked for moisture content. So does the clutch fluid need checked and replaced if necessary.

Yes they hydraulic clutch can just quit. Mostly they will leak first. However, if the o rings and plungers seals are worn enough it will stop working as well.

Which will happen less likely if the fluid is good and not full of water contamination.

 

[phattyduck]

i like the idea of regularly changing fluid. the thought of them suddenly giving out is keeping me up haha. thanks!

Every 3 years, just like brake fluid (it IS brake fluid...). Maybe even more often if you live in a high humidity environment.

-Charlie