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Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement
Typical Cost: Medium - High
Mobile Repair? Yes depending on the vehicle
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on part availability
What does a clutch master cylinder do?
The clutch master cylinder turns the force exerted on the clutch pedal into a hydraulic ram action to force open the clutch slave cylinder which then releases the clutch from the flywheel allowing you to change gear.
How does a clutch master cylinder work and what are the components?
If you consider the clutch hydraulic system as if it were a balloon pump with a balloon on the end, the master cylinder is the handle being pushed down to create the pressure to inflate the balloon.
Typical symptoms that require the clutch master cylinder to be replaced.
Clutch master cylinders suffer from two types of failure.
Firstly, the rubbers inside the cylinder can wear so the hydraulic fluid pressure is not built up efficiently, or the rubbers invert (i.e. flip inside out) which has the same effect.
Secondly, they can leak from around the seals as they become old and brittle.
In the case of the first instance, the clutch pedal will have little or no resistance when you press it down and it may even simply stay or fall down. In the case of the second instance, you could quite easily have hydraulic fluid escape and come down the clutch pedal shaft onto the pedal pad itself.
What happens during a clutch master cylinder replacement?
Changing clutch master cylinders is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
The mechanic will;
Assess the operation of the clutch mechanism
Remove the faulty unit and replace with a new one
Bleed the hydraulic system
Re-test the operation of the clutch mechanism.
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your clutch master cylinder to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the clutch master cylinder and the hydraulic fluid
- Coming to you or collection and return delivery (if still drivable)
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Clutch master cylinder replacement
Associated repairs
Clutch slave cylinder replacement
Bleed hydraulic clutch release system
Clutch replacement
How much does it cost to have a clutch master cylinder replaced?
The cost of a clutch master cylinder replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the clutch master doesn’t require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.