Every vehicle with a manual transmission has a master cylinder that supplies hydraulics for the clutch. If you notice or hear something unusual while driving and shifting gears, it is time to check up your machine. But how to tell if your clutch master cylinder is bad and not something else going on?
There are plenty of signs indicating a problem in the cylinder like leaking fluids and soft pedals. If you notice any of these, it is crucial to resolve the problem as soon as possible. You don’t want to be stuck at the road with failing clutches because you won’t be able to shift gears. To help you notice the problem early on, we made a list of the most obvious failing symptoms.
Before tinkering around the car, you should learn what its components are and how they work. When it comes to the clutch master cylinder (CMC), know that it is connected to the clutch pedal (CP), and it is a part of the hydraulic system that produces the pressure in the machine.
Cars with manual transmission use brake fluid to transfer the movement of CP to actuation of the fork. When the driver moves foot from CP, a rod attached to it pushes the liquid into the CMC. That fluid is not compressible, and it travels down to the slave cylinder, which is connected to the fork. This way, the clutches are separated from the pressure plate, thus allowing the engine to work and wheels to spin.
There are two CMC types, and they are separated depending on the internal mechanism that generates hydraulic pressure. They can be center-feed and seal over port systems.
No matter if you have one of the best-imported cars or if you are cruising around in a top-rated family vehicle, take your manual and check what kind of CMC system your machine has. Knowing this information will come in handy when trying to figure out how to check clutch fluid or when you try to test it and fix it.
Seal over port system uses rods to indicate CMC movement, while the center-feed type uses small hooks. Additionally, CMC is subdivided into integral and remote reservoir systems, and the type you have on your car will depend on available space in the engine compartment.
This device is an important part of the CMC system. They are a part of the chain commanded by CMC and they make operating large machines easy. Basically, if one part of the machine moves, there is another one that moves with it. As CMC is activated, it will set the slave device into motion at the same time.
Knowing what bad clutch master cylinder symptoms are will help you prevent a bigger and more expensive repair. Pay attention to the way the car performs and sounds. After all, nobody knows it better than you, so it will be easy to tell if something is off. However, how to tell if the clutch master cylinder is bad, and not something else? Let’s go over the list of signs that can indicate it is time to fix CMC, keep an eye on them, and you will be able to prevent bigger damage.
This is one of the most common symptoms, and it is really easy to spot. When you put the foot down to press on the pedal, you won’t feel the usual resistance. This most likely means that there is a problem that is caused by a leak in CMC.
When the shifting gears get difficult, you will know there is something wrong. This symptom is fairly easy to notice while driving. Suppose the CP doesn’t return to its resting position as quickly as it should you have a problem on your hands. Because this suggests that there is a lack of pressure in the hydraulic system.
When you notice there is something different about driving your auto, it is smart to check transmission fluid levels before you start tearing it apart, looking for a problem. If the levels are low, pour some liquid and check again. If you find that the liquid levels are once again low, it all indicates that the clutch master cylinder is leaking.
Also, check out brake fluids when you suspect that the auto is malfunctioning. You will easily spot the contaminated liquid, the color is darker and cloudier, and if you’re not sure what kind of color the original brake liquid is, grab a bottle from the garage and compare. The liquid that is not contaminated should be clear with a hint of yellow.
Engine bay or floor leaks are easily noticeable. When slave cylinders are failing, you will see it on the floor of the garage. Just check under your four-wheeler, and if there are pools of liquid, it is time for repairs.
Are you a fairly new driver battling with driving anxiety? Or a person that makes money as a driver? No matter who you are, hearing strange noises coming from the machine can’t be a pleasant experience. Those strange sounds usually indicate that something is wrong with the machine. Pay attention to loud sounds while the auto is in gear, and you are pressing on CP because if you hear something unusual, it could mean that the CMC is leaking.
A hydraulic system is a complex part of every car and despite its sturdiness, there are plenty of things that can go wrong. That’s why there are other signs that can tell you are dealing with faulty CP and CMC:
It doesn’t matter if you are driving at night or during the day, your car should always be in good condition. If you happen to notice the problems with CMC, fix it immediately, and avoid putting yourself and your four-wheeler in danger. When the CMC goes completely, the CP falls to the floor, and it won’t automatically raise again. If this happens, you will be unable to shift into any gear, and you won’t be able to drive until the problem is fixed.
Replacing the CMC shouldn’t be that hard. If you are up for a DIY project, and you are sure CMC is the problem, park your car in the garage and get to work. Here is a video that will explain to you just how to replace the failing CMC and bleed a new one.
Are you preparing to embark on a stress-free road trip? Or maybe you want to drive around some of the most famous routes in the USA. Driving around is freeing, but it comes with a lot of responsibility, and only good drivers won’t be a danger on the road. No matter what your plans are, there are things every person should know if they want to become a better driver, and one of them is being able to test the CMC without taking your car to the mechanic.
If you opt for a DIY option, know that the procedure is simple enough. Start the vehicle immediately without pumping off the CP, and put it in reverse. If you can’t do it straight away, you may have a failing CMC. This combined with the symptoms we already mentioned, is enough reason to replace the failing part.
While tinkering around CMC, why not check the slave cylinder as well? Pop the bonnet and find the part you want to test. On the front, is a rod that is extended if everything is right. Get someone to press the CP while you are checking the rod, if it extends while somebody is pressing the pedal, everything is okay.
Have you decided to seek the help of a professional mechanic? Don’t worry, the replacement won’t cost you a lot. What kind of car do you own? Have you bought an old, used vehicle, or are you behind the wheel of one of the top-rated SUVs? Maybe you are an adventure seeker that wants to live their life on the edge, like people in one of the best car movies, so you have top-rated auto for off-road rides that will take you anywhere you want to go. When it comes to the overall cost of CMC replacement make and model of the car plays a major role.
Sometimes, the new CMC has to be bought. If professionals are handling this for you, expect to pay between $180 and $420. Prices of parts range from $100 to $300, and the mechanic shouldn’t take more than an hour to replace the old ones, which will resume in $80 to $120 labor fees.
Modern cars are made out of sturdy components that last for a long time, that’s why a CMC will last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. However, if you are keen on increasing its duration, you can do a few things:
Vehicles can break down no matter if you are driving a machine you bought online, or the one you got from the dealer. Also, even if you are a young driver with the best insurance, your car can still be prone to accidents and malfunctions. If you are one of those people that like tinkering around the machines, you probably already know how to tell if a car thermostat is bad or if a spark plug is bad, and how to replace U joints in a few simple steps. And today, you learned how to tell if the CMC is bad.
However, if you want to avoid getting hands dirty by constantly fixing up your four-wheeler, consider buying a new one. Obtaining a new toy sometimes means having to hire a professional auto transport company to deliver it to you. Experienced professionals will offer you door to door auto transport and terminal to terminal car shipping, and depending on your schedule and budget, you can pick either. Also, pick the car shipping company that offers two types of trucks. You can opt for open trailers if buying affordable student cars, but you will need an enclosed auto transport option if you are getting some of the most expensive vehicles. No matter what, you will soon be able to drive around, enjoying a smooth and trouble-free ride.
