My clutch is squeaking, and the dealer told me i need a new slave cylinder for it.
My bentley is currently in an unknown location thanks to a recent move.
Can anyone tell me if this is a DIY project?

thanks!

 

That depends on you.

6 speeds are near bottom of trans, and you merely need to remove the splash shield to access. I forget about 5 speeds, but you MIGHT need to put the car in service mode.

Either way, the greatest hassle will be bleeding the slave. I've done it, but not per Bentley instructions. Do some research on various procedures to see if you are up for that. But as far as R&R on a 6-speed, that's very DIY, in my opinion.

 

I'm an engineer, and i like tinkering/would be happy to do the work if it's reasonable. Unreasonable for me mostly means a need for a lot of expensive unusual tools (read: german auto stuff).

5 speed..

I guess i've got to find that bentley... I'll look in the heaviest boxes first

 

You're likely not in the mood for wise-cracking, but I'll admit: on first reading, it sounded like you were being forced to repair your MINI because you weren't able to drive your Bentley, since you'd just moved and it was unavailable.

It's not you, it's me. I'll double up on my meds.

 

that is a rather funny coincidence.

bentley... manual.

 

For future reference: MINI clutch slave cylinder replacement:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

 

Normally I'd be a bit troubled by the shamelessness of that post, but that article looks really good. thanks!

 

Yes, in retrospect, that post did appear a bit shameless (sorry about that), but we're always in the process of developing these articles and are seeking active feedback to improve their validity and quality amongst automotive communities.

We welcome all suggestions or comments (good or bad).

-Jorge

 

Hey, no worries, I printed it out and will be using it asap! Also, when that manual comes out, i'll probably get that too. Your pics are better than any others i've seen.

 

I have the same clutch squeak when I first start out in the morning. I read through Pelican Parts process and was very impressed w/ their process document. Very nice work PP.

 

How long did replacement take you?

I still haven't gotten to do it :(

 

For the first-time DIY'er, it should take you about 2-3hrs.

 

I really like the tool you constructed to compress the slave cylinder. I think im gonna have to make something similar for my side jobs. Thanks

 

Let us know how it goes!

 

I did the master and slave on my mini last night. It took me 6 1/2 hrs. Most of the time was bleeding the system. It is drivable, but not right. The master cyl feeds from the top and pushes out the bottom. I use a pressure bleeder, but it seems to defy the laws of physics and plumbing to get air bubbles to flow down hill. What is the secret to getting all the air out?

Thanks to Pelican Parts for the replacement cylinders for this job. Quality parts at a reasonable price.

 

When we did mine we put fluid in the slave and pumped some thru the line before we hooked it up. There was a plastic strap over the plunger that breaks off when you get enough pressure built up. Still took an hour to bleed with two people.

 

Definately got to have slave compressed untill done bleeding.

 

Did you folks who had trouble with this have the cylinder compressed for install like pelican parts suggested?

I haven't done the process yet... but i'm wondering if this is a problem with the instructions or the interpretation of the instructions...

 

The slave i had purchased was already compressed and had that plastic strap over it and you pumped it until it snapped. I had got mine from O'Reilly it was a Wagner i think. I dont want to imagine the long night if trying to bleed it with out it compressed. That would be a hella lot of air and just a couple of tiny bubbles takes a long time to bleed out.

 

I had the slave compressed as described in the Tech article from Pelican Parts. The issue I have after most of the evening is a mushy peddle, and a little difficulty getting it in gear. The clutch engages much lower on the peddle than before the deterioration of the slave cyl. I decided to replace both because they will necessarily have the same number of cycles on them. I just don't feel confident I have all the air out.

 

could you use a mechanical bleeder?

 

Some people put gravity on their side and reverse bleed it.
Gets the air bubbles out much more efficiently.

 

I need to add that I am using a pressure bleeder.

 

I can see the logic in that. What I am concerned about is the outlet of the master cylinder is lower than the inlet. That makes me think that air is trapped in the master cylinder near the inlet. I nave never figured out how to get air bubbles to go down myself.

 

Hopefully pelican parts will chime in!