Clutch Master Cylinder Leak

[Jim320i]

Spotted in the Sport earlier that the fluid was empty again after I topped it up the other day (Car isnt in use) So checked for a leak, which is has done, inside the car, it all managed to drip onto the under dash trim part and soaked up into the sponge

Anyway, do these tend to leak if at fault or could it be something as simple as the hose coming loose? I didnt investigate too far other than finding where it had gone.


Hopefully its a loose connection but if its not, is it just switch with a replacement and bleed it all etc? I already have a replacement at hand from another E30, assuming they are all exactly the same?

[maxfield]

I've known them leak before, could be a loose hose but unlikely.

If it was me I'd be changing master and slave at the same time as I bet the slave cylinder isn't far behind to failing.

[jmc330i]

I've not seen a pipe come loose on the master cylinder, its not something that moves much. You could try tightening the union, but if its leaking much from there you should see it.


I'm fairly sure the cylinders are the same (for facelift anyway). I used the slave from an M20 car on my 318i without changing the master.

I realise you're not spending too much money on this Sport, but its worth changing both cylinders at the same time, its quite common for the 'older' cylinder to give up if its old and weak to begin with. Mine lasted about a month on the Sport, I thought I got away with it on the touring.... it went just after 2 months.

[daimlerman]

Classic signs of a failed master cylinder,oh the deep joy of getting into the footwell to swap it....I would be very careful of your Flintstone type footwell.....

[Jim320i]

Classic signs of a failed master cylinder,oh the deep joy of getting into the footwell to swap it....I would be very careful of your Flintstone type footwell.....

You say that, but atleasy I could tackle it from the underneath

[Jimbob]

I got this today too, haven't found the leak yet that's tomorrow's job, but after removing the carpet last week I suspect I've upset the master cylinder

[Jim320i]

I watched Kedge replace one the other day for a good hour trying to get 2 bolts into the new one He lost his temper part way through... I'll lose my temper getting the coont out no doubt and then it will end up fragged by the end of the day

[bigredbmw]

they are quite easy to change . me and vendetta changed his a couple of weeks ago

[capri_rob]

They're a fookin hideous beeyatch to get at - you'll be lying upside down with your head under the dash and sweat dripping into your eyes.

Its only a couple of bolts but IIRC one is a complete swine to get at - you cant get a spanner on it and you need a particular length extension bar to get a socket on it - which I didnt have

[Jim320i]

I should be alright. I have special fingers...

Just need to ask matt what his prices are as the website seems more than everyone else and gfs do some budget priced ones for about £45 for the master and slave.

And I know... Cheap parts blah blah blah but it won't be for long

[Brianmoooore]

It's not unknown for the rubber hose to leak where it connects to the cylinder, and the fact that it leaks when parked and that you've recently removed the carpet both lend weight to this possibility.

[Jim320i]

I'll check it all over tomorrow with any luck, just incase it is just a loose or split hose. With this car, I wouldn't be surprised... Just quick fixes and bodges every time I look at things

[bigredbmw]

u will need a brake pipe spanner and crack the pipe off under the battery tray first then un do the 3 bolts on the inside

[Jim320i]

Cheers dude

I know how to get it all off as i've stripped them down various times now, just not tried to do it with it all still in the car. I'll check it over tomorrow if the weather is good and hopefully find its just a pipe not connected properly.

Although, if I was to change the master and slave, would it make the clutch feel less hard? Or is that just an E30 trait? I would like it to feel like the e46

[bigredbmw]

ask vendetta as we changed his master cylinder and slave ..........