Clutch Master & Slave Cylinder
Also called clutch pump leaking
A hydraulic clutch uses a master cylinder at the pedal and a slave cylinder at the gearbox, joined by a fluid line. Their seals fail with age and heat, so fluid leaks internally or externally and the pedal goes soft or sinks to the floor. Replacing the failed cylinder and bleeding the system restores normal operation. This is often mistaken for a worn clutch, and it is a much smaller repair, but it will not help if the clutch itself is already slipping.
Signs you need this
- The clutch pedal sinks slowly to the floor when held down
- Pedal feels soft, spongy, or has lost its resistance
- Fluid level in the clutch or brake reservoir keeps dropping
- Wet patches under the pedal inside the car, or at the gearbox
- Gears become hard to select even though the clutch is not slipping
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Fluid level and reservoir condition checked, with leak points identified
- Master and slave cylinder tested to determine which has failed
- Replacement of the failed cylinder and the flexible hose if perished
- System bled thoroughly so no air remains in the line
- Fluid replaced with the correct specification, not simply topped up
- Pedal feel and gear selection checked on a road test
How we do it
Check the fluid
Level and condition are checked, since a dropping level with no external leak points at an internal seal failure.
Identify which cylinder
The master and slave are tested separately so only the failed one is replaced, not both on assumption.
Replace and inspect the hose
The failed cylinder is replaced and the flexible hose is checked, as a swollen hose causes the same symptoms.
Bleed the system
The system is bled until the pedal is firm and no air remains, using the correct fluid specification throughout.
Road test the pedal
Pedal feel, biting point and gear selection are checked on the road, and the joints are rechecked dry.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book clutch master & slave cylinder
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.