Clutch hydraulics questions (caterham/2002)

[wmontoya]

hi,

 

my clutch hydraulics started acting up a couple of months ago and replacing the fluid & repeated bleedings didn't fix it, so i'm looking for practical advice on how best to proceed.

Symptom: on 5 occassions, the clutch didn't disengage on first try after driving some distance (1-5miles) in top gear w/ no gear changes; pumping the clutch allowed proper engagement. i've also seen some bleed-down if it's held disengaged for a short while (e.g. engagement occurs much earlier & w/out much progression).

Obvious suspects: clutch master cylinder... next candidate would be slave cyl.

Questions:

1) are there any more reliable/robust easily fitted (i.e. direct bolt on) master cylinders (or slave if needed) that people can recommend? (i'm used to reliability of Japanese, Italian & German hydraulics.)

2) my experiences w/ English hydraulics are soley from a '58 MGA, and those had limited life, weren't worth rebuilding (due to rebuild kit quality & short life outcome) so the better/longer life approach was to replace w/ new unit. is that the same for 2000-ish Caterham hydraulics or is it worth a rebuild attempt?

3) does the assumption it's most likely the MC and not the slave match experience of others (given symptoms listed)?

 

thanks in advance and best regards... WM

 

2002 Caterham/1700 Crossflow/assembled by Joe Hawkins (RIP)

[yellowss7]

I have a 2000 Cat with the hydralic set up. The Blue anodized slave cylinder is I believe a VW unit. Don't know about the Master. If you go to replace the clutch master cylinder, just be aware that there are two different bore sizes.

 

Tom

[MichaelD]

I have a 2000 as well. The slave cyl is in the bell housing and is a stock Ford item. Thus requires a engine pull to replace. The part is relatively inexpensive but you may want to consider a new clutch while the motor is out.

[yellowss7]

Thanks, Michael, I should have asked what type of gearbox and set up he has.

 

My slave in NOT the Annular in the bell housing like yours. Mine is a seperate cylinder that mounts on top of the bellhousing. Two different animals.

 

Sorry for the confusion.

 

Tom

[Kitcat]

Tom: I am guessing the poster's X-flow has same set up as yours. When the hydraulic clutch on my X-flow got dodgy, replacing the blue slave cylinder fixed it. My memory is also that it was a VW part.