I'm lucky to have purchased a very nice 1986 300E 5-speed last year - I'd like to adjust the clutch to improve the feel and engagement location.

Should I start with changing the fluid and then maybe the slave cylinder?? Any tips or suggestion would be more appreciated!!

Thanks,
Dave

There is no such thing as adjustment on a hydraulic clutch. All you have to do is change the fluid annually as you do with the brakes. If you percieve a problem, begin by bleeding the system.

What makes you believe that there is a problem with the clutch?

I have an 88 five speed 300E that I recently applied for the half million kilometer badge. It took a long time to find it back in the mid nineties and I have enjoyed it immensely.

Ditto, no adjustment

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Thank-you for the info!! The engagement/disengagement is not firm and almost to the firewall. So i'm going to bleed it and check for any leaks.

The only other clutch issue I notice is in stop and go traffic it has a clatter/vibration when letting out the clutch. Seems like a heat related problem - I think that is a disc or flywheel issue? I'd really like to get that fixed next.

Sounds like a possible worn clutch disc (engagement location, chatter).

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1991 300E - 212K and rising fast...

after you have verified proper operation of both master and slave cylinders, there's a tool (maybe$10) that is used to check the clutch wear. Its either OK or time to change the disc, throwout bearing, maybe the clutch plate and maybe the pilot bearing.

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Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon

Both the Clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder have leaks & I ordered the parts today from Phil.

Two more questions - I looked a my factory manual and the car last night

1) where is the fluid reservoir for the clutch master? From the brake master fluid?

2) How difficult is it to change the master and slave cylinder??

Thanks in advance!!
Dave