DIY - Swap clutch slave cylinder and hydraulic line for improved feel and control

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by jcw99

I was just reviewing that stuff in one of my textbooks about the role of the check valve in the clutch master cylinder and your explanation is better than the book's. I've been looking for my binder with my notes from manual transmission and driveline class for the last week and still haven't run across it.

[jcw99]

Went up to my buddy's on Tuesday and adjusted the clutch rod maybe 2 turns ? Then we installed the slave cylinder. It was getting dark when we finished and I felt better about the clutch but was in a hurry to pick up my daughter so didn't notice it that much at first. Got in the car on Wednesday morning and noticed the difference in the resistance of the pedal immediately. Also, I noticed the engagement point was closer to the floor and much more predictable. I can now adjust my seat the way I want to instead of having it way back in order to accommodate the long throw of the factory adjustment. What an improvement I think I'm going to turn the rod just a wee bit more today. Thanx to everybody who's posted on all these clutch-related threads, especially Ultramaroon, Koji, and Jonnyrocket. Next week we're going to install the MTEC clutch spring. I'll post back with the results.

[xxBrun0xx]

Originally Posted by jcw99

Went up to my buddy's on Tuesday and adjusted the clutch rod maybe 2 turns ? Then we installed the slave cylinder. It was getting dark when we finished and I felt better about the clutch but was in a hurry to pick up my daughter so didn't notice it that much at first. Got in the car on Wednesday morning and noticed the difference in the resistance of the pedal immediately. Also, I noticed the engagement point was closer to the floor and much more predictable. I can now adjust my seat the way I want to instead of having it way back in order to accommodate the long throw of the factory adjustment. What an improvement I think I'm going to turn the rod just a wee bit more today. Thanx to everybody who's posted on all these clutch-related threads, especially Ultramaroon, Koji, and Jonnyrocket. Next week we're going to install the MTEC clutch spring. I'll post back with the results.

Try removing the spring completely before you try the MTEC. That's free, may give you what you're looking for, and I'm sure a lot on here would like to know if this is worth doing for those of us without the spring.

[jcw99]

Originally Posted by xxBrun0xx

Try removing the spring completely before you try the MTEC. That's free, may give you what you're looking for, and I'm sure a lot on here would like to know if this is worth doing for those of us without the spring.

I'll drive it without the spring and then install it later and let you know the difference.

[Cybmx]

hmm, just tried to order the part from Autozone, but upon checkout it seemed to be unavailable to purchase anymore...

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Cybmx

hmm, just tried to order the part from Autozone, but upon checkout it seemed to be unavailable to purchase anymore...

Wow. Try the NAPA part. It's better quality anyhow.

Or, *cough* you could just use the older wrong part number like the one I have installed. Works just fine.

[continuecrushing]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Wow. Try the NAPA part. It's better quality anyhow.

Or, *cough* you could just use the older wrong part number like the one I have installed. Works just fine.

Yup, I've been using the "wrong" one too.

No issues, what, maybe a year in?

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Shutter

Yup, I've been using the "wrong" one too.

No issues, what, maybe a year in?

Yeah, It's a smidge shorter and the banjo fitting has to be oriented outside the guide. I watched it for a couple months. No worries.

[dalton328]

Hey guys, I recently did this swap. After a little over a week of driving I can say that this new slave is exactly what the car needed. Shorter and stiffer throw on the clutch with a decisive engagement point. I highly recommend this swap to anyone considering it. The only change I would offer is that you use a rubber hose fitted on the bleeder nipple, and bottle filled with brake fluid when bleeding the clutch. It will make it much more difficult to reintroduce air into the line if you are new to bleeding hydraulic lines. Using a flare nut wrench will also help as it won’t fall off in the tight space.

Much thanks to Ultramaroon and everyone else in this thread for the research.

[jcw99]

Originally Posted by dalton328

Hey guys, I recently did this swap. After a little over a week of driving I can say that this new slave is exactly what the car needed. Shorter and stiffer throw on the clutch with a decisive engagement point. I highly recommend this swap to anyone considering it. The only change I would offer is that you use a rubber hose fitted on the bleeder nipple, and bottle filled with brake fluid when bleeding the clutch. It will make it much more difficult to reintroduce air into the line if you are new to bleeding hydraulic lines. Using a flare nut wrench will also help as it won’t fall off in the tight space.

Much thanks to Ultramaroon and everyone else in this thread for the research.

I agree 100% with your post and welcome to the forum.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by dalton328

Hey guys

Oh, hey! Welcome!

[dalton328]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm hoping to try the Mtec clutch spring like most others suggest in this thread soon. Maybe after my wallet recovers from Christmas lol

[Eldari]

Just ordered the slave cylinder at Napa, they said they will have it by 9am tomorrow. They couldn't seem to locate the washers using the subaru number or find anything equivalent. Any suggestions? Is it just a generic washer?

Is there any reason to swap the clutch line other than aesthetics? I could hold off a few days while I wait for a steel braided clutch line from amazon I guess if it's just for looks. Otherwise I could have the cylinder installed tomorrow night if I pick it up after work...

[dalton328]

They couldn't seem to locate the washers using the subaru number or find anything equivalent. Any suggestions? Is it just a generic washer?

I just used a generic brake line washer. I don't think most parts stores would regularly stock those kinds of oem parts. If you can't find anything at napa, I know autozone had the washers another user posted in store when I visited.

http://www.autozone.com/brake-system...er/773866_0_0/