Sick of bleeding this clutch, about to lose my tranny

[Deanna]

Hey folks,

So I have an ongoing problem with my 82 240D. A year and a half ago, I noticed the clutch master was leaking- so replaced it and reverse bled from the front brake bleeder valve. It worked great for awhile, then got softer and softer...repeat repeat repeat.

Yesterday, after bleeding it again (I have to do it every other month or so, and I still can't get the car in reverse and sometimes have to shut it off to shift)...I noticed brake fluid leaking out the top of the master where the push rod goes in. Oh. I had tried to replace the slave a while back, thinking that was the problem but it wouldn't bleed (perhaps cuz a new part was too stiff to hold pressure if there was a leak up the line, I realize now).

The master is a relatively brand new part and the leak is certainly coming out of the top by the push rod (not a cracked line). What the f should I do with this? My tranny is definitely suffering and winter is coming on and I have no garage! Ahhh!

Thanks...you guys always save my tail.

Deanna

[charmalu]

Really sounds like the MC has a bad internal seal. I know new parts and all.
there is a possibility if you did the reverse bleeding w/o the brake system being flushed out with clean fluid, some gunk/debris is the problem with the MC.

I have read if the slave is changed out, so should the MC at the same time, vise versa. the new unit can put additional pressure on the others seal and create a leak.

These things can be (are) a PITA to bleed the air out. I was pulling my hair out when doing mine. I was told by a mechanic to tap the MC when bleeding. It can juggle the bubble to move up.

We`ll see what some of the big guns have to add to this


Charlie

[barry123400]

Well try to see if you can get another master clutch cylinder under warranty. Or replace it if not. If fluid is escaping around the shaft seal air can possibly be getting in. You are getting air remember.

[benhogan]

The master and the slave cylinder need to be replaced together.

Your problem is most likely the slave cylinder. It is getting softer and softer because fluid is just getting past the seal. So even though you might not be losing brake fluid, all you are doing is moving the fluid around with no work done.

Replace the slave cylinder, bleed the system and you should be ok from now.

[layback40]

If you pump the peddle up & down does it become harder?

You should be able to do that to allow the clutch to work & so allow you to change into gears better until it is fixed.

It does sound like you have a bad MC as it is leaking.

Is there brake fluid leaking at the slave ? If not then the slave should be ok.

How much fluid is leaking from the MC? Is it wet looking or are you refilling every time you drive the car?

BTW Charlie is one of the biggest guns on here !!!! He is a straight shooter as well !!!