cheap spares in UK?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Allan Bruce, Nov 16, 2004.

  1. Allan Bruce

    Allan Bruce Guest

    Hi there,

    I have a problem with the hydraulics in my S40 (97 - 1.8 manual) clutch. I
    believe I have a leak, but the garage couldn't find one. They quoted me
    £250 to fit new primary and master cylinders, or £130 for the parts alone.
    I was wondering if anyone knew of a cheap retailer in the UK I could get
    these parts for at a better price? Also, has anyone had any experience of
    hydraulic clutch problems?

    Thanks
    Allan
     
    Allan Bruce, Nov 16, 2004
    #1
  2. http://www.eurocarparts.com/
    http://www.gsfcarparts.com/

    These two places have many counter outlets around the country, and do
    mail order. Looking at a recent catalogue, the prices for these items
    do seem to have rocketed since I last bought one, and 130ukp may not
    be so high after all. But any motor factor (look in yellow pages) will
    carry them, so you may be able to get some at more sensible prices.
    What is the problem you are experiencing? The hydraulic system is
    fairly simple, with a master cylinder operated by the pedal, a slave
    cylinder at the gearbox end, and a length of pipe in between.

    A leak should be obvious, and will result in the fluid level in the
    reservoir going down noticeably. This will usually be as a result of
    failing seals in either cylinder, which results in fluid seaping out
    every time you us the clutch. It it's coming from the master cylinder,
    this will often result in fluid soaking the carpet around the pedal.
    You may need to peel back the rubber dust cover at the slave cylinder
    - there shouldn't be any collected fluid inside.

    If the fluid is very old, it will have absorbed moisture, and will be
    dark in colour as a result. This can lead to a spongey feel, and will
    eventually result in rust occurring in the cylinders (particularly the
    slave cylinder) that will, in turn, damage the seals. If the cylinders
    are still clean, you can probably get a seals kit for a fiver.
    --

    Stewart Hargrave


    For email, replace 'SpamOnlyToHere' with my name
     
    Stewart Hargrave, Nov 16, 2004
    #2
  3. Allan Bruce

    Allan Bruce Guest


    The problem with the clutch started a couple of weeks ago when I found
    myself stalling pulling off in first gear due to the bite point being
    different. One morning I tried to start the car and pull off but couldnt
    get into gear at all. After pumping the clutch pedal a couple of times
    enough pressure built up for me to get into gear and pull off. This pumping
    of the clutch made me believe it was the hydraulics that were the problem so
    I checked my main reservoir for fluid and it seemed fine (even though the
    clutch pipe takes its fluid from above the minimum!). Anyway, I bled the
    clutch hydraulics and that solved the problem for a few days, then it went
    back to its old tricks - requiring the clutch pedal to be pumped a few
    times. I have re-bled the system so it is fine again for now, but this
    temporary measure only lasted about 3-4 days the last time.
    I took the car to my volvo garage and they said they could not find a leak.
    Is it possible something else could cause this problem? As far as the leak
    goes, I have noticed the bleed nipple beside the slave cylinder has a lot of
    thread showing (about 10mm). Is it possible I have lost a seal here? or
    perhaps cross-threaded the bleed nipple causing a leak?
    The fluid that is in the main reservoir is very dirty, but the brakes feel
    fine. Any more information on this would be greatly appreciated. This is
    my first car, and I've only had it for 3 months :-(
    Thanks
    Allan
     
    Allan Bruce, Nov 17, 2004
    #3
  4. Allan Bruce

    Bonnet Lock Guest

    In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
    The leak which you have is an *internal* one. In other words, no fluid is
    leaking to the outside world. When you depress the clutch pedal, this has
    the effect of pushing a piston inside the master cylinder, which directs
    fluid to the slave cylinder - operating another piston inside that which, in
    turn, operates the clutch release lever.

    Each of these pistons has a rubber (well, synthetic!) seal to keep the fluid
    on the correct side of the piston. When these seals get tired, they allow
    fluid to leak past the piston instead of going where it should.

    The solution is to remove the master and slave cylinders, clean then out
    thoroughly and fit new seals, re-install them and fill and bleed with new
    fluid. Should only cost a few quid for the bits. You should *hopefully* be
    able to get them from a brake and clutch specialist - or maybe from
    Halfords.
    [I've just consulted the Haynes manual for my V70 - and that says that
    internal hydaulic components aren't available, and that you have to replace
    the whole cylinders. I find that hard to believe! I've certainly bought
    repair kits for other makes of car in the past.]
     
    Bonnet Lock, Nov 17, 2004
    #4
  5. Allan Bruce

    Allan Bruce Guest

    The leak which you have is an *internal* one. In other words, no fluid is
    Thanks, this sounds plausible however there is one piece of information that
    may go against this theory, I'm not sure. When newly bled, the clutch pedal
    has no free play, in other words there is pressure felt immediately on
    depression (well within an inch anyway) which I assume is pressure from the
    fluid. When the problem starts to show, there is more play on the pedal, I
    can depress it approximately half way with no pressure at all, then the
    pressure starts when I assume I am working against the fluid. If left (like
    I did the first time) the pedal gets so bad that there is no pressure at all
    unless I depress the clutch pedal several times which temporarily builds up
    some pressure.
    With this in mind, do you still think its an internal leak? I am new to
    cars, used to be a cycle mechanic so I know some basics. My Haynes manual
    is slowly becoming my best friend! As far as replacing the seals, my Haynes
    manual says that the master cylinder is repairable, but the slave isn't. If
    this is the case, then at least it cuts my cost in half, and the difficulty
    is 2 spanners so it should be possible for me to do.
    Many thanks for your help, it is very much appreciated.
    Allan
     
    Allan Bruce, Nov 17, 2004
    #5
  6. Allan Bruce

    Bonnet Lock Guest

    In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
    Yes, the symptons are consistent with a seal problem in the master cylinder.
    The seal is usually a kind of cup washer - which opens out and pushes in one
    direction, but collapses on the return stroke - allowing it to go back and
    collect any fluid which had got behind it. This is why pumping works - and
    probably why bleeding works, because this requires lots of pumping.

    The problem is more likely to be in the master than in the slave. If you
    can't get a repair kit for the slave, try just rebuilding the master, and
    keep the existing slave. It may well fix it.
     
    Bonnet Lock, Nov 17, 2004
    #6

  7. I'd suggest that in this case, air is somehow getting drawn into the
    system, and may be consistent with leaking seals, but check the
    tightness of the bleed nipple and any unions.
    I'd certainly have a look around for a seals kit. It's a while since I
    had a car with a clutch, but time was when the hydraulic cylinders
    were generic across a range of cars. But it was never really worth
    changing the slave seals, because a new cylinder was only about a
    tenner, and new seals would not necessarily solve the problem.

    Master cylinders generally cost a bit more, but the though that a
    clutch slave should cost around 60ukp is depressing. In fact I see
    Euro Car Parts list one for an 850 at 85.50ukp plus tax. Blummin'
    'eck, I hope that's gold plated. Maybe it's down to the steel
    shortage.
    --

    Stewart Hargrave


    For email, replace 'SpamOnlyToHere' with my name
     
    Stewart Hargrave, Nov 17, 2004
    #7
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