Do always replace the slave cylinder when replacing your clutch?
 

I read an article on the internet talking about replacing a clutch that stated: "I would also recommend replacing the clutch slave cylinder as well. Quite often an old slave cylinder will not be able to handle the new parts and will blow out in two or three weeks."

Is this the case on a Mercedes? I'll be replacing my clutch soon and am now wondering whether I should replace the slave cylinder as well.

Scott

Yep.

If you think about it, the newest manual W123 out there is 22 years old. If it has the original slave cylinder, it's probably not going to last much longer.

That is always a wise idea with a manual transmission. The slave is usually very cheap.

my experience of one
 

Well, my experience of one confirms this belief. While I was under the car (240D) preparing to bleed the clutch master cylinder I wondered about this. I wished then that I had ordered the slave at the same time. I'm going to be back there again soon. What would you do if the slave cylinder has already been replaced (130,000) and the master needs replacement at 142,000? This is the situation I'm facing with my 190D. I hate to replace parts unless necessary (read cheap). Am I tempting fate once again?

Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual

81 240d slave cylinder
 

Over a year ago I purchased an 81 240d manual. I bought it from a repair shop who had reciepts of alot of stuff done on it including a new clutch. Not more than three weeks later I pushed in the clutch while driving to find it not there and fell to the floor so to speak. Later I found out that everytime i pushed in the clutch...it would spit a little bit of brake fluid from the slave cylinder. It was easy to replace and it only cost me 30 or 40 bucks at Inter Auto Parts in San Diego. I would think that if you plan on replacing the clutch than I would also plan on replacing the slave cylinder. Unscrew a couple bolts like 12mm and the oil line, to attach do the reverse. With mine I just got in the cab and pumped the clutch about a 100 times and I had a new slave cylinder. I have heard of some guys that do it differently but it worked for me.
-Stephen

I would do it just for the better clutch feel alone.

No. If it is working and not leaking why open up the hydraulic system for no reason? You can remove the slave cyl from the transmission to prevent any difficulties in bleeding the system when you reassemble. It's not like you have to pull the tranny if you need to replace it later.

Least you can do is check the cylinder for scoring, and if not scored, change the kit which is cheap. Most important is to change the throwout bearing in the clutch.

What should I do about the flywheel? Do you think I can just install the new clutch and not worry about it?


Scott

Yes

i would say yes... my stupid ranger has the slave inside the bellhousing and they really really suck and die at about 40k so you have to pull the tranny to fix it

Ditto....
 

I was gonna say basically the same thing, except that it's my F-150.....Ford slave is bositioned around the transmission input shaft....thus tranny has to come out.....if I remember correctly the new Ford slave cylinder was less than 50 bucks....my labor is free, but to pull tranny is a real pain and worth the cost of a slave cylinder.....

I do not have a clue as to how a MB slave cylinder is arrainged......if you don't have to pull the transmission (or disassemble half of the car) to replace the slave cylinder.....then go for cheap.....:D

Bottom line, what do you figure your own labor is worth to you??

SB

I don't think you have to pull the tranny to replace the slave cylinder on the MB. However, I went ahead and just ordered one from Phil. I only want to have to mess with this once so I might as well do it while I'm in there. The only other thing I'm worried about is the flywheel but it looks like I can probably just install the new clutch and not worry about it.

Scott

The slave is an easy replacement but the master is a bugger, which is why I dont change that, till it need too be. come too think about it, I don't change the slave till it needs to be either, because its easy and why break into the hydraulic system till you need to? I would have to say, "if it aint broke, dont fix" it:)

ditto
 

I agree with Stevo. Why waste a good slave cylinder. I wont break hydraulic lines unless its needed. Mine has been good on a different clutch for a while.