Series 3 Clutch Hydraulics

Just discovered a totally dry clutch hydraulic system on the weekend - further investigations indicate a very leaky slave cylinder.

Slave is off the vehicle, its a very well made Girling. Is it worth refurbing with a set of seals or bin it for a Lucas replacement?

Would welcome thoughts and experiences of refurbishing old parts like this.

I'd try to refurb with new seals if the internal surfaces are ok.

Col

Colthebrummie said:

I'd try to refurb with new seals if the internal surfaces are ok.

Col

Click to expand...

Righty ho - I had sort of heard something about cylinder bores being the critical thing ie if they are OK (or not). I will look for a refurb kit, not that easy with old Girling parts these days.

just fit a new one they arent expensive, a new seal kit isnt going to be the quality they once were and cylinder wont be perfect

jamesmartin said:

just fit a new one they arent expensive, a new seal kit isnt going to be the quality they once were and cylinder wont be perfect

Click to expand...

I was thinking of a spare maybe.
So, ordered new master cylinder, slave cylinder (Lucas TRW) and new pipes and hose so it gets complete makeover.

Probably will look for a refurb kit tho' - just to keep the old part as a standby.

Fit a new one, the bore gets a step at the most used part so you should hone that out before puting new seals in if they are old, but then the bore gets bigger and the life of the new seal is reduced, its more trouble than its worth unless the old one is hardly worn.

I have a clutch master + slave and brake master that I have cleaned up and fitted new seals to in my spares box and would not hesitate to use them if required.
The brake one is actually surplus as I have recently fitted a servo and LWB master to my early 10" brakes.

Fit a quality new one but order a seal kit at the same time and re-seal the old one if it's not cream crackered. Slather the seal, piston and bore with silicone grease (plumbers merchant) and keep it in a plastic bag for a spare.
If you can do it I recommend that you replace the slave cylinder bolts with studs, it makes fitting the cylinder a lot easier. Make the studs from cut-down bolts and hold them in situ with Loctite so that they don't turn out when you undo the nuts.