Someting you need to know about clutch master cylinders

Driving a manual transmission vehicle is a satisfying experience, giving you greater control over the car, while enjoying the tactile feeling of shifting gears.

There are a lot of moving parts to a driving manual, so it’s vital to know more about it in case something goes wrong. One of the most important components in this system is the clutch master cylinder.

Not sure about this crucial part, or the role it plays in the manual transmission? Let’s have a look under the hood at how it works, how to spot trouble, and what to do if it fails.

What is a clutch master cylinder?

In manual vehicles, the clutch pedal is connected to the clutch master cylinder, which converts the mechanical movement of the clutch pedal to hydraulic pressure. This makes working the clutch to change gears easier. It’s located in the rear of the engine bay, just behind the dashboard or on the firewall on the driver’s side of the car.

It’s a pump that sends hydraulic fluid to the slave cylinder, which, in turn, pushes against the clutch fork to disengage the clutch from the transmission. When the clutch is disengaged, it allows you to change gears. 

Without the pressure produced by the master cylinder, there isn’t enough force for this to happen, and that’s when you run into problems.

What happens when the clutch master cylinder fails?

If the clutch master cylinder fails, you won’t be able to change gears at all. Even if you’re at the point where it’s just difficult to shift, you don’t have as much control over the vehicle, which can be dangerous—at this point, it’s vital to see a mechanic.

What causes a clutch master cylinder to fail?

More often than not, a clutch master cylinder problem happens because the brake fluid is leaking, which is why it’s important to regularly check the level in the reservoir and make sure it sits at the full line. It’s a closed system, so it shouldn’t fluctuate. That said, you should have the fluid replaced every 2-3 years as it does get old, and this isn’t part of a regular service.

If you do start to notice symptoms of failure, it’s best to bring it in as soon as possible for our mechanics to check.

What to expect from a clutch master cylinder repair

If your clutch master cylinder needs replacing, it’ll probably take anywhere from an hour or so to 3-4 hours depending on location and accessibility, meaning you shouldn’t be without your car for more than a day. And sometimes it can just be a part that needs replacing, so you may not need to replace the entire cylinder and the repair might not be too costly.

The important thing to remember with any car problems is the sooner you get them checked, the more chance you have at protecting other components that would otherwise be damaged.

So, if you think your clutch master cylinder could use a little TLC, schedule an appointment with your local car mechanic who’ll have you on the road in no time!