The query of the differences between master and slave cylinders may have instigated you to come here. For sure, when you think about the clutch system, these two key components may appear in the discussion. In this blog, I will share with you a complete idea of “clutch master cylinder vs. slave cylinder.”
Primarily, the master cylinder is in the rear of the engine bay. More precisely, it can be just behind the dashboard or on the firewall on the driver’s side of the car. The slave cylinder is usually bolted onto the side of the transmission, right beside the clutch disc.
These cylinders play solid roles mostly in manual transmission vehicles. Plus, they have a unique function to control the clutch and enhance the driving performance. Sounds critical? I suggest you read this blog till the end to understand everything easily.
Clutch Master Cylinder – An Overview
You can find a master cylinder (also known as a pressure cylinder) near your clutch pedal in vehicles with manual transmission. It is connected to the clutch pedal. Hence, it serves as the pump for the hydraulically operated clutch system (1). As I said, you can typically find a master cylinder in the rear of the engine bay.
When you press the clutch pedal, this cylinder cuts off the power flow from the transmission to the engine. In this way, it separates the engine and the drive wheels to help you change the gear (2). Hence, this component uses brake fluid, often from a shared reservoir, to transfer the force throughout the system (3,4).
Clutch Slave Cylinder – A Synopsis
Let’s see what a slave cylinder is. Like the master, it is also a crucial component in a car’s clutch system. It assists the clutch pedal linkage by using hydraulic pressure against the piston inside the master cylinder (5). Again, the slave cylinder actuates the clutch fork. It disengages the clutch friction plate from the flywheel (6).
When you (or the driver) press on the clutch pedal, the slave cylinder forces the master cylinder down. The process causes the slave cylinder to extend and move the clutch fork (7). However, the slave cylinder transmits the pressure from the pedal to the clutch master cylinder.
Suppose the slave cylinder fails. It may not transmit the proper pressure. It can cause issues with shifting gears and potentially damage the transmission (8).
Comparison: Master vs. Slave Cylinder
Of course, both clutch cylinders are integral parts of a car’s clutch system. But they have different functionalities.
Let’s talk about the master cylinder first. It contains a reservoir that stores hydraulic fluid. It has a connection with the clutch pedal. When you press the clutch pedal, brake fluid courses from the clutch master cylinder to the slave cylinder. It applies the necessary pressure to engage the clutch (9, 10)
If you think of a slave cylinder, it has some distinct features, too. It actuates the clutch fork to disengage the clutch friction plate from the flywheel (6). When the cylinder is broken, the clutch pedal may feel harder or softer than usual. Even the clutch travel may be too short to achieve disengagement (11).
Common Issues with Clutch Master Cylinder
Most people search “clutch master cylinder vs. slave cylinder” when they face issues with these components. And I guess you should understand those issues too.
Some notable symptoms of a failing clutch master cylinder include:
Low Clutch Fluid
A leak in the clutch master cylinder can cause the clutch fluid level to drop. It may cause difficulty in shifting gears or a clutch that won’t engage or disengage.
Soft or Spongy Clutch Pedal
If you feel the clutch pedal is soft or spongy, it can be due to air or water in the hydraulic system. When this happens, consider there is a leak in the clutch master cylinder.
Irregular Clutch Engagement
The clutch may engage at a different point than usual if the clutch fluid level drops significantly. It can be an indicator of a failing clutch master cylinder. The clutch may not even fully disengage the transmission from the engine when the pedal is depressed. It will also make changing gears hard (12).
Strange noises, low resistance in the clutch, the clutch falling to the floor, and dirty clutch fluid – these are also signs to replace the master cylinder (13).
Common Issues with Clutch Slave Cylinder
Slave cylinders may bring your attention with some symptoms, just like the master ones. Before that, let me remind you again a slave cylinder is an essential part of a car’s powertrain. It includes the engine, transmission, and other parts that transfer power to the ground (14).
Difficulty Shifting Gears
A failing slave cylinder can cause difficulty shifting gears smoothly. It may make your driving experience awful.
Spongy Clutch Pedal
Like the master cylinder, the slave cylinder may develop leaks inside or outside. It may cause you to feel the pedal spongy or mushy when it happens.
Leaking Fluid
Consider leaking hydraulic fluid as a clear indicator of a slave cylinder problem. It will leave traces on the floor or in the engine bay.
Clutch Slippage
A failing slave cylinder may make irregular clutch engagement. For instance, the clutch may slip when you need it to engage.
Unresponsive Clutch Pedal
Suppose you feel the clutch pedal is unresponsive (like it does not return to its normal position). In that case, you may need to replace the failing cylinder.
How to Replace Clutch Cylinders
In this part, I will explain how to replace a faulty clutch cylinder (master and slave).
Replacing the Clutch Master Cylinder
Follow these steps:
- Open the hood of your car.
- Locate the cylinder next to the brake master cylinder.
- Check for any leaking brake fluid.
- If you find a leak, check the fluid level.
Suppose the clutch is not releasing correctly. Then, the clutch master cylinder must have the air bled out of it (15).
Replacing the Clutch Slave Cylinder
You can replace the slave cylinder easily. To replace the clutch slave cylinder, you can follow these steps:
- Park your vehicle on a flat, hard surface.
- Place wheel chocks around the rear tires.
- Get under the car.
- Examine the slave cylinder for leakages or any damage.
- Disconnect the hydraulic line (it connects the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder).
- Access the mounting bolts (it holds the slave cylinder in place).
Once all these steps are done, reattach the master cylinder to the firewall and the line to the slave cylinder (16).
Cost Analysis: Clutch Master vs. Slave Cylinder
I guess, you may think of replacing the faulty cylinders, isn’t it? In this case, you should know the cost related to the changes.
Certainly, this cost can differ depending on the car type and the auto repair shop you go to. For instance, the cost of the clutch master cylinder itself can range from $50 to $200 or more. The associated labor cost would be between $140 to $275.
The cost of replacing a slave cylinder is around $207 to $246, with the parts costing between $97 to $208 (17). On the other hand, the cost of replacing a factory slave cylinder is about $128. Thus, the total cost to complete the job would be approximately $238 using OEM parts or $144 using aftermarket parts (18).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Should you change both master and slave cylinders?
- A: Most experts suggest replacing the cylinders together. It will save money to remove the second transmission.
- Q: Why is the master cylinder smaller than the slave cylinder?
- A: Usually, the slave cylinder has a larger diameter. It offers mechanical advantages by spreading pressure over a larger area.
- Q: What is the purpose of a slave cylinder?
- A: It moves pressure plates to disengage the clutch from the car engine while pushing the clutch pedal.
Final Words: Clutch Master Cylinder vs. Slave Cylinder
The discussion on the difference between the clutch cylinders ends here! Yes, you can identify the cylinders and their functions now. You can save them if you have read them correctly if they fail to perform.
Till now, I have explained the definitions, locations, issues, and solutions of clutch master and slave cylinders. I hope you liked the blog, especially if you have a car with a manual transmission.
Thanks for reading it. Have a nice day!
