How to Replace Clutch Master Cylinder on Land Cruiser FJ40 BJ40

Описание: Darin replaces a master cylinder for the clutch on his 1975 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. Replacement master cylinder was purchased at Lordco Auto Parts. The original master cylinder started leaking past the seal and boot located on the inside of the firewall in front of the clutch pedal. The new replacement master cylinder was inexpensive, in stock at Lordco and very quick and easy to install.

A clutch master cylinder is a component found on vehicles equipped with manual transmission, and serves as the pump for the hydraulically operated clutch system. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the clutch master cylinder pushes fluid through the system down to the clutch slave cylinder so that it may disengage the clutch. As they are hydraulic in nature, clutch master cylinders are often prone to issues with leaks that will interfere with its ability to move the hydraulic fluid. When the clutch master cylinder has problems, it can lead to issues with the clutch pedal and shifting gears. Usually a bad or failing clutch master cylinder will produce a few symptoms that can notify the driver that a potential problem has occurred and should be serviced.

1. Low or dirty clutch fluid

One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a potential problem with the clutch master cylinder is low or dirty fluid in the reservoir. Dirty fluid can be caused by the seals inside the master cylinder breaking down due to wear and old age and contaminating the fluid. Aging seals are also increasingly prone to leaks as time goes on. Low fluid may be a symptom of a potential leak somewhere in the system, either at the clutch master or perhaps slave cylinder.

2. Hard to shift

Another symptom commonly associated with a bad or failing clutch master cylinder is difficulty shifting. The clutch master cylinder is hydraulic in nature and is therefore prone to internal leaks that can interfere with it’s ability to properly displaced fluid. If the master cylinder is not able to properly create pressure, it will not be able to disengage the clutch properly when the pedal is pressed. This may lead to grinding the gears when shifting, and possibly even a transmission that pops out of gear.

3. Soft or “squishy” clutch pedal behavior

Soft pedal pressure is another symptom of a potential problem with a bad or failing master cylinder. If the cylinder develops any internal issues, it will directly affect the feel of the pedal. A leaky cylinder may cause the pedal to feel mushy, squishy or spongy, and in more severe cases, will lead to a pedal that will sink to the floor and stay there when depressed.

The clutch master cylinder is an important component and if it develops any problems, they can quickly lead to issues that affect the overall drivability of the vehicle. If your vehicle is displaying any of the symptoms above, it may need a replacement clutch master cylinder.