[C5] Clutch slave cylinder

[Kap142]

Originally Posted by Rich427

Hey Ken,

Are you sure it is the slave cylinder? The reason I ask is that I just went through this with my '01 convertible. We are the original owners and it only has 28k miles on it. My clutch pedal started getting a funny feel to it and it would grab just off the floor. It grabbed so soon that the clutch pedal return spring would not work leaving the pedal close to the floor. I was having to put my toes under the pedal and lifting up to get the pedal to it's normal location. What a PITA in traffic!

I immediately assumed that it was the clutch slave cylinder that was the problem and started the holy crap thought process about what it would cost to have it replaced. I too am past the days of laying under a car and bench pressing anything up into place, so I knew it was going back to our local dealer.

I made an appointment and dropped it off figuring the worst. I got a call from the service manager and he told me that it was my clutch master cylinder and not the slave cylinder. Much cheaper repair. Since the clutch system is hydraulic, a bad master cylinder will give you the same symptoms as a bad slave cylinder. If either one will not hold pressure it will affect the clutch operation the same way. Estero Bay Chevrolet is our club sponsor, so they discount both parts and labor for club members. The clutch master cylinder list price was $205.45, I paid $152.95, and the labor was $297.00 list and I paid $267.30. They cut their labor for us by 10%, but we get a big break on parts. BTW, I just had this repair done in January.

So, if you are as lucky as I was, the damage might not be as bad as you may think. Cross your fingers and hope it is the master cylinder and not the slave cylinder.

Good luck!

Rich

Hey Rich, I've got some time tomorrow so I'll try to search out the actual source of the leak. Guess I'll jack her up and search from the bottom up.

Thanks maybe it will be a lesser then a greater for just once. I'll let ya know.

Thanks and stay well.

Ken

[Kap142]

Originally Posted by zzzona

Several years back I helped a friend replace his clutch in a 98 vette (in his driveway). After we were done I knew it would be my first and last time. Two years ago I paid to have a LS7 clutch installed in my C5Z
Ken I bought the rubber torque tube bushings and did not use them. If you are going to be in need of them let me know. You can have them for a cold beer....Good luck......

Thanks Dave I will keep those bushings in mind.

I sure would like to see this end nicely but I am a firm believer in Murphy.

[Kap142]

A bit of reading indicates I can go in through the drivers side front wheel well and access the clutch master cyl. Should be able to see if the leak originates there very quickly. I shall think positive.

[Rich Z]

Originally Posted by Kap142

A bit of reading indicates I can go in through the drivers side front wheel well and access the clutch master cyl. Should be able to see if the leak originates there very quickly. I shall think positive.

Hope it turns out to be an easy fix. But yeah, I'm a firm believer in Mr. Murphy, too......

[Kap142]

Damn Murphy/

[Rich Z]

Originally Posted by Kap142

Damn Murphy/

So, I guess that means no luck with it being the clutch MASTER cylinder instead of the SLAVE cylinder?

[Kap142]

Right you are Rich. Master cyl is bone dry but no so at the slave cyl.

[Rich Z]

Originally Posted by Kap142

Right you are Rich. Master cyl is bone dry but no so at the slave cyl.

Well, apparently you have my kind of luck.

[Kap142]

Yes it appears so Rich. Ordered parts from GM Parts Direct today. Gonna put Peek in the shop around next Tuesday and get it taken care of.

Such is life I guess.

[Rich427]

Originally Posted by Kap142

Yes it appears so Rich. Ordered parts from GM Parts Direct today. Gonna put Peek in the shop around next Tuesday and get it taken care of.

Such is life I guess.

Sorry to hear that it is the slave cylinder. I hope all goes well when you get it in the shop!

Good luck.

Rich