Leaky Clutch Cylinder

[axed existence]

Is it possible to rebuild it?

My clutch master cylinder is dripping/leaking. Hadnt realized how bad it was until my ride home last night when i suddenly lost the ability to shift after stopping. Got home, checked the reservoir... totally empty. Not sure where all that fluid went but it looks like most if it is on the drivers carpet.

poured some Dot3 break fluid pumped the clutch and it works now... gonna let it sit overnight and check the level in the morning.


Its dripping from where the push rod goes into the unit right behind the clutch pedal when you look under the dash... im assuming this is a seal that busted? If it is possible to open it up and replace the seal is it worth the time and effort to do this or should i just replace the whole unit? believe its about 40-60$ (yes... i put the dollar sign after the ammount... it makes absolute sense and thats how percentages are done!

snagged a picture with my phone (note the fancy use of a flashlight for flash...)

 

[pappy]

Yep. That is how they fail.

Yes they are rebuildable, you can get the kit from Toyota. But, I bat about 50-50 rebuilding them. If the bore is OK, it can be done. I'm currently running a boneyard cylinder I rebuilt in my 4Runner. I opened it up, honed, and rebuilt (it looked like it was fairly new on the truck). Sometimes it's better to get a cylinder from Toyota since rebuilding is a gamble. New ones last a long time so it's usually a better investment.

One thing you can do to extend the life of the cylinder is flush the fluid out when it starts to look dark.

Note you will need a 10mm flare nut wrench to remove the line from the master cylinder. Save yourself the grief and just get the tool instead of rounding off the nuts.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Yep. That is how they fail.

Yes they are rebuildable, you can get the kit from Toyota. But, I bat about 50-50 rebuilding them. If the bore is OK, it can be done. I'm currently running a boneyard cylinder I rebuilt in my 4Runner. I opened it up, honed, and rebuilt (it looked like it was fairly new on the truck). Sometimes it's better to get a cylinder from Toyota since rebuilding is a gamble. New ones last a long time so it's usually a better investment.

One thing you can do to extend the life of the cylinder is flush the fluid out when it starts to look dark.

Note you will need a 10mm flare nut wrench to remove the line from the master cylinder. Save yourself the grief and just get the tool instead of rounding off the nuts.

X2

I just rebuilt mine, and it's holding so far... but my 4Runner is just a toy now, not a DD, so it won't be getting the workout it used to...

 

[80t0ylc]

I know this is an old thread, but this is why I love IH8MUD! Search rocks!!! This has just saved me some problem determination and frustration. It was weird how the fluid kept disappearing and no evidence on the ground - it was all in my carpet. Had I a vinyl floor mat, it would have been obvious - I never thought to look at the backside of the cylinder - last rig I had a hydraulic clutch in was a '76 Datsun Pkup...lol

 

[yotadude520]

Personally I would stay away from rebuilding it - For how cheap a new one is you might as well do yourself a solid and replace it - it's a pretty easy job and will prevent your clutch from sticking to the floor!

 

[80t0ylc]

Personally I would stay away from rebuilding it - For how cheap a new one is you might as well do yourself a solid and replace it - it's a pretty easy job and will prevent your clutch from sticking to the floor!

Thanks! Any suggestions for sources for clutch M/C. I need to replace brake M/C also. Maybe get both from one good source.

 

[Mudder]

Marlin Crawler, Low range off road has OEM ones as well I believe.

 

[80t0ylc]

Marlin Crawler, Low range off road has OEM ones as well I believe.

Thanks! I'll do some looking.

 

[yotadude520]

x2 on Marlin Crawler and Low Range - if not you can always check your local O"Reilly's!