Slave cylinder push rod - please help...
04-05-2002, 11:32 AM
#1
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Slave cylinder push rod - please help...
I went to install my new G50 clutch slave cylinder tonight. R&R went seemingly well. Bleed was a disaster. I over-pressurized the pressure bleeder (thought 12 psi was right) and it all bled out the run-off hose, even though I had it pinched off.
So I did it the old fashioned way - had girlfriend press pedal in while I opened and closed bleeder valve. The clutch pedal became super stiff and would not depress. Bentley's says this means the slave push rod did not seat properly in the clutch release mechanism. Sounds reasonable to me, as I had a hard time getting the slave to go in and to line up the bolts with the holes. I'm just about positive this is the problem. I'll need to undo the nuts and pull the slave out again.
So my real question is: how do I ensure the push rod seats properly? It's real tight in that area and I don't think there's any way I'll be able to see it through the hole. I may try a dental mirror. But even seeing that isn't gonna make it easy to seat properly. Please help. How do I get it to seat correctly? Thanks.
<img src="confused.gif" border="0">
So I did it the old fashioned way - had girlfriend press pedal in while I opened and closed bleeder valve. The clutch pedal became super stiff and would not depress. Bentley's says this means the slave push rod did not seat properly in the clutch release mechanism. Sounds reasonable to me, as I had a hard time getting the slave to go in and to line up the bolts with the holes. I'm just about positive this is the problem. I'll need to undo the nuts and pull the slave out again.
So my real question is: how do I ensure the push rod seats properly? It's real tight in that area and I don't think there's any way I'll be able to see it through the hole. I may try a dental mirror. But even seeing that isn't gonna make it easy to seat properly. Please help. How do I get it to seat correctly? Thanks.
<img src="confused.gif" border="0">
04-05-2002, 08:16 PM
#2
Race Car
Rick, first of all, if you were using 12 psi on your pressure bleeder...you should be okay, I use 16-18psi.
Also, if fluid was running out of your overflow hose - I can certainly say you weren't successful in pinching it off. I use a pair of Vise Grips that are specifically designed to pinch off hoses, a smaller set of "jaw" style vice grips will suffice as well...use the flat end of the grip area.
Definitely, remove your slave cylinder and check the position of your release fork. If it isn't already, push it back, with your fingers, towards the rear of the vehicle and attempt to get it to stay there.
Then make sure the pushrod on the slave cylinder is pointing out straight, as it can get at a slight angle...and put it on. The pushrod should undoubtedly line up with the "socket" in the release fork. This will be evident by the fact that you will have resistance on pushing the slave cylinder into position right about the time you have it lined up on the two studs...about 3/4" away from mating with the transmission bellhousing.
Put your 13mm headed nuts and washers on by hand and "draw" the slave cylinder into final position by tightening the nuts, alternating between the two after a few turns. I use a 1/4" drive ratchet, extension and 13mm socket to do this.
When bleeding, hookup your pressure bleeder as I'm sure you know how, pinch off the overflow and pressurize to 12psi (that's what you've been advised to use).
I use a section of Porsche windshield washer hose, because it's clear and durable, I took a sports bottle and placed the washer hose in place of the plastic accordian style straw and put a tie-wrap on the inside of the lid, on the hose so it doesn't pull out. There's about a foot of hose coming out of the lid.
You hookup the hose to the bleed screw on the slave cylinder and crack the screw until you see a satisfactory flow of brake fluid...we all use blue brake fluid down this way, so you can see it running through the hose, clear is difficult to see.
Good luck! Email me offline if you need more help...I'd be happy to assist.
Also, if fluid was running out of your overflow hose - I can certainly say you weren't successful in pinching it off. I use a pair of Vise Grips that are specifically designed to pinch off hoses, a smaller set of "jaw" style vice grips will suffice as well...use the flat end of the grip area.
Definitely, remove your slave cylinder and check the position of your release fork. If it isn't already, push it back, with your fingers, towards the rear of the vehicle and attempt to get it to stay there.
Then make sure the pushrod on the slave cylinder is pointing out straight, as it can get at a slight angle...and put it on. The pushrod should undoubtedly line up with the "socket" in the release fork. This will be evident by the fact that you will have resistance on pushing the slave cylinder into position right about the time you have it lined up on the two studs...about 3/4" away from mating with the transmission bellhousing.
Put your 13mm headed nuts and washers on by hand and "draw" the slave cylinder into final position by tightening the nuts, alternating between the two after a few turns. I use a 1/4" drive ratchet, extension and 13mm socket to do this.
When bleeding, hookup your pressure bleeder as I'm sure you know how, pinch off the overflow and pressurize to 12psi (that's what you've been advised to use).
I use a section of Porsche windshield washer hose, because it's clear and durable, I took a sports bottle and placed the washer hose in place of the plastic accordian style straw and put a tie-wrap on the inside of the lid, on the hose so it doesn't pull out. There's about a foot of hose coming out of the lid.
You hookup the hose to the bleed screw on the slave cylinder and crack the screw until you see a satisfactory flow of brake fluid...we all use blue brake fluid down this way, so you can see it running through the hose, clear is difficult to see.
Good luck! Email me offline if you need more help...I'd be happy to assist.
