I am about to replace my second clutch slave cylinder on my 2004 MCS. After having read about all of the recurring failures of this part I was wondering if someone could recommend a brand that is of better construction than the OEM version? I know that it is not expensive to replace, nor is it difficult. However, it really sux to have my wife stranded with a dead clutch pedal.

I know that it is possible to design a more slave cylinder as I have a 95 Ford Ranger that had 190K on it before I replaced its cylinder and only replaced the cylinder because the clutch itself was getting replaced.

So, any suggestions?

 

Not familiar with any issues with them or aftermarket brands available. The one in my 03' has 103K miles on it....

 

Wish I could say the same thing. This item fails for many people. I knew mine was going because I had just changed the oil and inspected the slave by pushing back the rubber boot and saw hydraulic fluid. Who knows, it may have something to do with the way that my wife or I drive the car. I'll give WayMotorWorks a call in the morning and see if Waylan has any suggestions.

What kind of clutch do you have on your MINI, Gray? Did you do the work yourself?

 

Yep mine cut short my weekend at VIR.....peddle went to the floor on grid, pumped back up and made it through the session but decided it would be better to drive it home instead of being towed home....was having a great weekend too.

 

The clutch itself ? From our experiences here in New England driving ( city, highway country roads ) and from those who autoX in our club, the MINI OEM clutch beats others for durability and longevity......and considering it's about 8-9 hrs labor for an "S", and about 6-7 hrs for JAC, it would make sense to go that route.

As far as going thru several slave cylinders in a few thousand miles ? Sounds fishy to me. While subject to wear, it's not a complex part. And unless it's an aftermarket part ( if they make one ) it should last longer than few thousand miles.

( If you purchase OEM MINI parts from www.penskeparts.com - they come with a two year warranty no matter who installs it.....)

Here is a youtube clip from BMP Design which may help with a better understanding on how it works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68PIYbXk1nc

 

One thing to add...since the system is hydraulic, if there is any contamnation in the system, say chunks of the seal from the first failure, it wil destroy the 2nd one quickly....so maybe when it get replaced, the system needs a bit more of a flush....fluid is cheap...parts and labor are expensive!!

 

The OEM slave is your best bet. It's relatively cheap and easy to fix--and do include a complete flush.

 

Gray- It wasn't a few thousand miles. The car has 89K on it and the first cylinder failed about 35K ago, maybe longer. It wasn't contamination in the hydraulic fluid, I just flushed the system less than 2000 miles ago. The cause may be related to the fact that I switched from some generic DOT 4 to ATE Super Blue which may have affected the seals. Who knows? I am going back to amber brake fluid, and hopefully will not have any further problems.

As far as how a slave cylinder works, thanks for the info. I've been wrenching on cars for a few years now and am familiar with the mechanics of the hydraulic clutch.

The reason I asked about your clutch is because your signature seems to indicate that the clutch is one of the long list of parts you have modded. I figured that if you had your clutch replaced at some time, and had not done the work yourself, the mechanic performing the service may have just replaced your original slave cylinder at the same time your clutch was replaced. This is a common practice in other vehicle applications where the cylinder is located inside the clutch housing instead of outside as it is located in the MINI.

Helix - Thanks for the information. Way recommended the same thing, at which point I introduced some confusion because there is an OES branded replacement that I was insisting to Way was manufactured by OEM. My mistake, obviously. Do you happen to know which brand is stock on the Mini? Sachs, Beck-Arnley, OES, Dorman, AC-Delco?

 

Valeo.

 

Valeo is the stock MCS slave cylinder manufacturer? Thanks for letting me know.