is it possible to rebuild/recondition one? With new seals perhaps... Or do we have to replace the whole thing?

 

Yes, you can get the rebuild kits from Napa, but if the cylinder is at all pitted, then it needs to be replaced entirely. Having rebuilt some and by how long they have lasted, it is worth buying a new one IMHO.

 

Dont be cheap buy a new one.
Pick up a new master and clutch line while you are at it.
This way you wont have to do it twice. Bleeding the clutch can be a real pain!

 

Those guys would know a lot more than me, but I rebuilt mine, and it has lasted me for a few years
~10-15,000 miles or so...

I got a small cylinder hone from sears for $10 or whatever, and polished it up, but it didn't have any nasty pitting or rust.

 

Thanks! I decided to buy one anyways in the interests of getting on the road asap, but will recondition the old one for fun if it seems in decent condition, and use it next time round...

So I should replace the master and hose to avoid the pain of bleeding again soon?
that sounds a bit S & M... but a good idea. I will look into the parts availability.

 

I always recommended replacing the master, the blue hose from the reservoir, the slave, and the line that runs between the master and the slave all at once. It is a bigger hit on the pocket book for parts, but at least then you know your clutch hydraulic system is good for a long time. When i was just replacing a cylinder that failed, it seemed like the car always showed up a month later needing the hose or the other cylinder.

 

when I was 17 I had my 951 for about a week and my slave cylinder shot craps. Got that all done and the next week the master went out. Then the line. I got really good at bleeding the clutch. Just save your selfe the headache and do it all.