Date:         Fri, 21 Nov 2003 19:12:44 -0500
Reply-To:     Jon Schaer <jschaer@COLUMBUS.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jon Schaer <jschaer@COLUMBUS.RR.COM>
Subject:      Re: replacing clutch master cylinder
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wesley Alden Pegden" <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU>


> I've got a leaking clutch master cylinder ( I just changed the brake
> mc---it was leaking too).  It looks like they're $50 on busdepot.  Are
> there still rebuild kits available, and is that an option I should
> consider?
>

Skip the rebuild. Not worth the $$$ saved. The cylinder R&R is easier than I
expected, especially given the space to work with. Clutch and brakes are
common reservoir, but separate systems. Have towels ready, and a plug, for
the res hose after you unhook it from the MC (though I barely got a
dribble - it's just gravity fed).

For the bleeding you're supposed to use a pressure bleeder, but you can do
it just like brakes (pedal pressure) if you chock the clutch arm at the
trans.

Personally, if the MC is shot just due to age, I'd go ahead and to both. The
slave actually takes more abuse (being exposed and mounted on the engine),
so it could huff a week later and you get to do the whole shebang again.

I had an apparent clutch failure. No leaks, so I did the slave. Worked great
for about 10 miles, then gradually lost it again. OK, do the master. Still
nothing. Air? Bleed again, still nothing. Drop the trans. The previous
clutch job (previous owner - fairly recent) had used reman parts. One of the
springs in the disc had broken and jammed down in the pressure plate
fingers. Shucks!

Jon Schaer
Columbus, OH
85 GL
138,000