Thread: something black and liquidy on the floor mat

Yes, sounds like clutch master cylinder

Originally Posted by isuzu110

Yes, sounds like clutch master cylinder

x2.

Keep a bottle of clutch fluid in the car for top ups until it's sorted.

so is the fluid black? or is it just having a clean up on its way down....

Whats the normal repair?

Complete out of the master cylinder and replacement? Typical cost?

Thanks

Steve

EDIT is there a particular clutch fluid i'll be looking for?

Originally Posted by 5teve

so is the fluid black? or is it just having a clean up on its way down....

Whats the normal repair?

Complete out of the master cylinder and replacement? Typical cost?

Thanks

Steve

EDIT is there a particular clutch fluid i'll be looking for?

Fluid is black because it is dirty and old, some people top up the m/c for months before they get around to sorting the problem. Not me of course.

Sometimes it seems like a bit of grit gets caught in the seal, the master cylinder dumps the fluid and the grit and everything is fine for a while longer.

Repair is either - seal kit for m/c, replace m/c, or get old m/c sleeved with stainless steel liner and refit.

Seal kit is under $20, replacement m/c is around $100.

Fluid is probably dot 4 brake fluid.

As above. Fluid is probably black because it has dissolved the black paint on the pedal and pedal box on the way down. The master cylinder is the one most commonly used on hydraulic override barakes on trailers, and should be available from any brake specialist, caravan and trailer parts supplier or Repco/Supercheap etc for around $35. You will probably need to use the old pushrod. There have been a number of discussions here on how to replace the m/c, and search should find them.

There is a bare possibility that it is grease off the pedal pivot, but a sniff at the drops should clarify if it is brake fluid.

John

If servicing/replacing the clutch master cylinder, I'd suggest doing the slave cylinder at the same time. Not much extra cost or effort and then your complete clutch hydraulics will all be up to scratch.

Originally Posted by JDNSW

As above. Fluid is probably black because it has dissolved the black paint on the pedal and pedal box on the way down. The master cylinder is the one most commonly used on hydraulic override barakes on trailers, and should be available from any brake specialist, caravan and trailer parts supplier or Repco/Supercheap etc for around $35. You will probably need to use the old pushrod. There have been a number of discussions here on how to replace the m/c, and search should find them.

There is a bare possibility that it is grease off the pedal pivot, but a sniff at the drops should clarify if it is brake fluid.

John

Agree with John,for the cost of a new mastercylinder,you wouldn't bother messing around with taking it apart and putting a kit in.I think even a Landrover cylinder on the net is no more than $60.The black is quite often either the rubber seal on the rear of the cylinder perishing,especially if the cylinder has been fitted for a long time,or dirt that has accumulated on the pushrod over the years,and is washed off by the leaking fluid.


Wayne

I've just gone through the same scenario, MY03 TD5 110.
Clutch Master used was the generic trailer type. $35
Clutch fluid is Dot4 brake fluid.
Clutch master was replaced and a week later the clutch slave gave out from the new pressure capacity from the new CM.
So back in she went for a new clutch slave, this one has to be a genuine LR type(aprox$110).
You will find this on the upper part of the bell housing next to your Cat(hard to get at 'cause of the exhaust pipe)
$350 worth of labour charge from the workshop.
If you do it yourself, don't forget to bleed the clutch system properly and set the correct height of your clutch pedal, as when the CM goes out pedal will drop.
The new clutch master will last around 50k.
A stainless re sleave might get a little more lifespan but its not a permanent fix.
There is no permanent fix, as the geometry of the pushrod to line of travel of the clutch piston is off centre, so inherently the piston on the clutch system will always wear to one side of the bore.

I rode my leaking clutch master for about 4 months, just carry a bottle of brake fluid with you and top up as the pedal slowly gets softer. Unless finances are strong than get it sorted right away for peace of mind.


Good luck.