Ok I finally managed to get my clutch hydraulic system out so I can replace the master cylinder, and I got to looking at the hose connecting the cylinders...

I noticed that the hose is held in place with a pin on both ends- and while I removed the pin at the MC in order to get the setup out of the car, I noticed afterwards that the hose going into the slave cylinder is 'loose'- that is, I can spin it around and move it up and down slightly. However I don't see much fluid built up around the connection as I would think there would be if there was a severe leak.....

1) Is this normal? I'm thinking that if the system is under pressure (because of the shift fork pressing against the slave cylinder) that a seal is somehow maintained.

2) Are replacment hoses available? This hose has 150K miles on it, and seeing that it's clear plastic (although pretty thick) I'd like to replace it to be on the safe side. I had recently replaced my pressure plate and I think that's why the orignal MC gave out- I'm afraid the hose might be next if it's not replaced....

Thanks!

 

The hose is now slightly loose because there is an O-ring seal that used to be squashed in there. Now the hose is removed, the O-ring is deformed. Just prise out the seal and replace it with a similar one from a local shop. Should be a few cents only. I learnt the hard way and replaced everything until I found that seal!!

Hope this helps.
Andy.

 

Right, I did find a seal that came with the new MC so I assume there's a seal that's still on the slave cylinder. It may be deformed, and thus causing the play that I'm seeing- but bearing in mind that I had had that slave cylinder replaced a few years ago I'd have to say that seal didn't last very long...

I guess my big concern is the hose itself- I haven't found a parts store that has it so I suspect it's a dealer item. I was wondering if anyone's replaced theirs with a new hose or if they had to cobble one up. It looks like one could be made from transmission hose and some worm clamps but I'm a bit leery about going that route....

 

I had to replace mine about a year ago. Turned on the car with the hose on the exhaust Looked around a ton for one. Called 3 hydralic hose places and 2 GM dealers. Only way to get that hose is to buy the MC/SC combo The hydraulic shops I stoped by said they did not have anything that could stand up to brake fluid for such a long period of time... I don't know though... just my 2-cents worth.

 

David.
Why the concern about the hose? Is it damaged or swelling under pressure? If it isn't, I shouldn't worry about it. Replace that O-ring seal and try it out. Should be okay.

Andy.

 

Andy- actually the hose seems to be in good shape. I checked it over last night and can't find anything really wrong with it. It seems a bit stiff which could either be because it's thick-walled and thus not very flexible, or it's from age (I hope not) I found out this morning (as Fei pointed out) that the hoses aren't available from the dealer anymore unless you buy the complete setup.....

I'll probably go ahead and run with it- looks like I don't have a choice unless I want to buy a complete setup.

Thanks for the input!

 

No problem David.
Just to reassure you. I ended up replacing the whole lot. The "stiff" old pipe was exactly the same as the stiff new one!!!

Good luck.
Andy.