75ZT Community

Please can anyone remind me on how to tell if the limp pedal is is the Slave failing or the Master?

Clutch pedal has gone limp (100% failed) with the car on the drive. Happened as I was parking. Years ago it would have moments of going limp so I have a master cylinder (without new pipe) here ready in case it went.

But for the last week on pressing the clutch pedal there was classic worn thrust bearing noise.

Initially checking, I cant see a leak on the floor or undertray. But could it still be the slave?

I have previously done a Master change on a Rover 45 but cant remember how to release the mid point pipe connector.

Never a good time for a car to present with a problem and at this festive time especially so. I would be inclined to first look at the easy and more obvious even if any reprieve proves to be temporary. If not already done check that the piston rod for the master cylinder is still attached to the clutch pedal, it is known to break. Look for any external leak from the master and while down in the footwell check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. If it is empty I would top it up with DOT 4 and bleed it as required hoping it lasts to a less inconvenient time.

Some owners have fabricated a simple tool to separate the unions of the slave and master pipes. An example is shown on the site in French Mike's How To, essentially a U-shaped slot in a piece of sheet metal.

Thanks. I have the clutch Master cylinder disconnected apart from the pipe where the hollow pin is now too stiff and I will see if I can hammer it out with punch today. I have all the relevant engine bay parts off so the connector is exposed. And I opened the bleed so fluid goes into my clear bleeder pipe that implies to me at least the slave has not leaked.

WillyHeckaslike wrote:Never a good time for a car to present with a problem and at this festive time especially so. I would be inclined to first look at the easy and more obvious even if any reprieve proves to be temporary. If not already done check that the piston rod for the master cylinder is still attached to the clutch pedal, it is known to break. Look for any external leak from the master and while down in the footwell check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. If it is empty I would top it up with DOT 4 and bleed it as required hoping it lasts to a less inconvenient time.

Some owners have fabricated a simple tool to separate the unions of the slave and master pipes. An example is shown on the site in French Mike's How To, essentially a U-shaped slot in a piece of sheet metal.

That would be one of these tools, i had two at one stage gave one away the other is most likely amongst the other tools which i have put away safe and can no longer find.

I'm sure i made a copy of it out of some metal will try and find that later now it's been brought up.

[url=%URL_VIEWER_PREVIEW%][/url]1

Thanks. does anyone know where and what size spring clip to buy for the clutch pedal?
I just took the clutch pedal off for more access to get that pin out. But the spring clip holding the clutch pedal shot off far inside the centre dash - that would take too much work to take the centre dash out.

I'd say from the noise, it's the slave. When mine went, it was like you just as I was parking. Stopped the engine. I could lift the pedal up and it would operate fine, but as soon as I started the engine, pedal went to the floor again. The bearing itself had failed, and was spinning the piston in the slave. I replaced both parts as the master was full of grey sludge and didn't want that damaging the new slave.

Thanks Duncan, I am thinking the slave/thrust bearing is at least worn.
I just turned the empty old Master Cylinder upside while still connected to the pipe on the car and a little black fluid came out. I suppose will need to test it. If anyone knows where I can get a spring clip for the clutch pedal?

I just got the new master cylinder on the pipe. I will need to test it but my biggest hurdle is the missing spring clip for the clutch pedal. Does anyone know how to buy these? Will car shops have them and if so does anyone know what size it is? thanks

I have the Master on the pipe and pumped through a small cup full of black fluid into the bleed jam jar. But after that I cant get any real pressure to push much out of the bleed and with the bleed closed and cap on the Master no real pressure in the system. AM I doing anything wrong? Or is that a sign the slave has failed?