Clutch Master problem
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: Nashville Tennessee
Clutch Master problem
I posted this in the tech section without much luck, so I thought I'd try here. Can anybody help a 6-Speed brother out?
I have been losing pressure in the clutch system lately and cannot find a leak. The first time the res. got low, I filled it and it self blead back to full pressure, but now it continues to lose pressure. The slave was replaced by the original owner last year as were the lines and it still looks new and dry as a bone, (he is a GM brake engineer). When I opened the master last time to check it, it was a little low and the black rubber dust cover was all wadded up in there. It had lost it's shape. Also, I pulled most of the fluid out of the master with a syringe and it is full of black debris. Could this be rubber from worn seals or the dust cover? There is not any visible fluid leak that I can find, but, even with a light it is hard to see under the master. Any suggestions? It's a '92 LT-1 ZF 6-Speed. Thanks in advance -Michael
I have been losing pressure in the clutch system lately and cannot find a leak. The first time the res. got low, I filled it and it self blead back to full pressure, but now it continues to lose pressure. The slave was replaced by the original owner last year as were the lines and it still looks new and dry as a bone, (he is a GM brake engineer). When I opened the master last time to check it, it was a little low and the black rubber dust cover was all wadded up in there. It had lost it's shape. Also, I pulled most of the fluid out of the master with a syringe and it is full of black debris. Could this be rubber from worn seals or the dust cover? There is not any visible fluid leak that I can find, but, even with a light it is hard to see under the master. Any suggestions? It's a '92 LT-1 ZF 6-Speed. Thanks in advance -Michael
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 16,024
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
If it is in fact your master leaking it will be doing it where it comes through the firewall. You will feel wet carpet. I also had dark particles in the reservoir until I changed the line. Finding a leak at the slave is easy, so if you say it's dry, the master would be the source.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
If you really think its under the master, spray it with some brake cleaner and wipe it off with a paper towel....Tommorow go out and wipe the bottom of it again witha clean paper towel ...if its wet there you go..
But like I told ya' in your Tech post, I bet its coming inside
But like I told ya' in your Tech post, I bet its coming inside
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Clemmons NC
Just got my 95 back today. Had the master, slave & hydraulic line replaced yesterday. I was not loosing pressure or fluid, but shifting was getting rough in every gear. Transmission & clutch were both replaced about 10k miles ago. I started with the cheaper of the three (hydraulics) and it has made a big difference in shift quality. The one negative was the shop was suppose to disable the cags, but didn't. Is that a easy fix???? 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: Nashville Tennessee
Originally Posted by yellowlust
black gunk in the fluid is the lining of the hose going bad.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 931
Likes: 3
From: Portland OR
I just replaced my master and slave. Slave for the second time because apparently if you don't use GM hydraulic fluid the slave will fail (quickly). I didn't replace the line but I should have. But I'm not always the brightest.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 15
From: St. Louis, Mo......... 1993 Torch Red w/White Interior...2006-07 Bloomington Gold 2005-ZR1/C4 Gathering, 2001-2012 Funfest
If it is in fact your master leaking it will be doing it where it comes through the firewall. You will feel wet carpet. I also had dark particles in the reservoir until I changed the line. Finding a leak at the slave is easy, so if you say it's dry, the master would be the source.
100% - Same thing happened to me