Clutch Master Cylinder Leaking -- Bleed or Replace Seal?

Hey everyone, I've got this 07 Tacoma with 113k on her. Noticed some fluid stains on my floormat the other day under the clutch pedal. It is coming out of where the push rod meets the clutch master cylinder (oozing as the clutch is engaged).

Should I try flushing the slave cylinder? Or replace a seal near the leak? Excuse my ignorance, this is my first standard tranny and first Toyota. I'm hoping I don't need a new master...just dropped $1500 on a water pump and drivetrain last week. Only had the damn thing for a month.

Thanks for the help.

 

It has been a while since I have done it, but you should be able to locate a rebuild kit for the clutch master cylinder.

Remove master cylinder.
Disassemble.
Clean and hone cylinder walls.
Reassemble with new seals.
Reinstall and bleed.

 

Agreed. Your slave cylinder is bolted to the trany, so not a source of in-cab leakage. Get the master cylinder and replace it ASAP. The reservoir is shared with the brakes, so watch your fluid level!
The 2nd gen master cylinder is on rock auto from 20-60$ depending on mfg.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3406023&cc=143286

 

We replaced mine with the one from Rock auto, it had started to leak at around 125 K. Not a bad job and the Replacement works well. Not sure which brand we ordered from them.

 

Thanks for the link. Does that part number include a kit with other parts, or just the cylinder itself?

In your experience is this a part that is worth investing in a quality brand name, or is generic fine?

 

I have had mixed results rebuilding hydraulic cylinders. I decided that, for me, it made more sense to buy new vs trying to save a couple of bux rebuilding.

 

Did you hone the cylinder?

I have never had a failure on a rebuild as long as the core is good. Then again I am picky about honing the cylinder.

 

Yes, every time, but I might have done something wrong. As I said, I find I more reliable to replace instead of repair hydraulic cylinders.

 

It has what you need. You reuse clips and nuts. Just get some brake fluid and cleaner so you can chase spills off your paint. Then you either need a bleeder tool, or a friend to help pump the air out of the system

No need to reinvent so here is a procedure:
http://www.teamrip.com/how_to_properly_bleed_a_hydraulic_clutch_info.html

Btw, old school guys like to rebuild themselves, but with out experience , and proper honing tools, you are better off.

More expensive = better warranty usually. Maybe more new parts. I usually aim for the middle unless my funds are really tight.

 

Who U Callin Old?

Oh yeah I am a little bit.



I do use my special tools though.

A rolled up piece of 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper and a finger.

Making sure to rotate and slowly slide it in and out using brake fluid for a lubricant.

Damn that sounds bad doesn't it?

 

Yeah it does. But not for a navy guy ;-)

I'm 44, & am glad I learned to do it too, but some things are easier to pay for than teach on here.

. & I am a DIY guy see live for painted my roof, replaced my clutch, repaired my girl's iphone 4 screen (with reading glasses mind you, and one of the most challenging projects to me in a while. I don't have the micro dexterity I think I one had. Or those damn screws have gotten so freaked small! ). Oh damn. Off topic again. Need my coffee and meds.

 

I just had the same problem. if the master cylinder for the clutch is leaking it needs to be replaced. Its in a tight spot but its not a bad fix.