Slave Cylinder Leaking

[rmtsteve]

I am looking at a 1986 4+3 as my possible first vette and when I went to look at this car the clucth went down to the floor and there was some fluid on the ground under the car. The owner stated that the car has been setting for several (6) months and thought the slave cylinder was leaking and he is going to replace it. I would like to know if this happens is there other problems that could come from this leaking? Also what should I look for after it is replace to make sure he did a good job?

 

[nyernga]

I am looking at a 1986 4+3 as my possible first vette and when I went to look at this car the clucth went down to the floor and there was some fluid on the ground under the car. The owner stated that the car has been setting for several (6) months and thought the slave cylinder was leaking and he is going to replace it. I would like to know if this happens is there other problems that could come from this leaking? Also what should I look for after it is replace to make sure he did a good job?

A leaking slave in and of itself is no big deal. Considering the pressure they exert on the clutchplate and after sitting for a while the seal is probably shot. I'd also check the clutch master cylinder since they work in tandem.

Len

 

[TriTown]

It's a very good idea to replace the master and the slave as a pair. Also if you need to replace the clutch use good name parts and not remaned parts from India like I did the first time. I tried to save a buck and it ended up costing me! The pressure plate failed. I did the first clutch my self but I just can't bare to do it the second time on my back:crazy . The car goes in for a reclutching this coming week. I'm using a Center Force performance clutch this time.

 

[c4cruiser]

If the owner is going to replace the slave with a new (quality) part, that should solve the leaking problem. There are repair kits available that are useable as long as the cylinder bore is not pitted or there is any corrosion on the metal pieces but it's safer to go with a new cylinder. Definitely stay away from the junk rebuilds.

The hydraulic line between the master and slave should be checked too. The lower portion of the line is a flex hose and the line is no longer available from GM. Eckler's has a replacement line but I have heard from a number of sources that it is not a direct fit as the steel portion does not line up to the master and requires some bending. But any good brake parts shop can have hydraulic hoses made at a much lower cost compared to the $100+ part from Eckler's.