Slave cylinder leaking

2008 NISSAN TIIDA

138,000 MILES • 0.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL

TONY BERRY

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The clutch pedal went to the floor and stayed there and there was clutch fluid leaking from the housing where the slave cylinder is.
I talked to a few garages, and they all said that the slave cylinder was gone inside the engine and gave quotes that were double what the car was worth, so I said I'd have a go myself, I'm no mechanic, but I am handy around engines.
I took out the old slave cylinder and it looked okay, but I fitted a new one just to be sure and put it all together and it worked I was delighted. but a few weeks I noticed a small drop of oil coming from the same place the clutch housing, but it was running okay. I topped it up very little. It showed it was slightly under max level and three months later the clutch pedal went to the floor and stayed there again, but if I top it up with clutch fluid it will work for about a week and go again. any ideas? the clutch fluid drops every time the pedal is pressed. could I be unlucky and got a fault one? It looked perfect when I took it out again but so did the original one. please help
Thanks, Tony

Feb 23, 2022 at 10:00 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi Tony,

The idea that you are losing fluid indicates a leak. Remember that the fluid can run in different directions. So, here is what I suggest:

First, with the engine cool and off, spray all areas that are contaminated with fluid and wipe it dry and clean. Have a helper depress the clutch to see if you see where the leak is originating.

This vehicle isn't offered in the US, but I believe it is very similar to the Nissan Sentra we have.

I attached a pic below of the Sentra's slave cylinder. Is that what you have? Also, make sure there are no leaks at connectors as well.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Feb 23, 2022 at 7:23 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Thanks for your reply. It looks like the same one I have. I tried your suggestion a few times and it leaks out of a notch in the housing for the slave cylinder when the clutch pedal is pressed down.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Feb 24, 2022 at 2:01 PM

TONY BERRY

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22 POSTS

I can't seem to add any more than one photo at a time, but this is where it is leaking from. If you zoom in on the photo so you can see exactly where it is leaking from.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Feb 24, 2022 at 2:10 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hope these photos make it easier to diagnosis. I wasn't able to upload any more than one at a time but I'm probably doing it wrong.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Feb 24, 2022 at 2:18 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Tony,

Based on where you see the leak, it is likely in the bell housing. Do you have the transmission out as shown in pic 1? If not, I attached a pic below of the part in a Sentra. I circled my first suspect area for a leak.

Let me know.

Joe

Image (Click to enlarge)

Feb 24, 2022 at 6:53 PM

TONY BERRY

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22 POSTS

Thanks Joe. I have it back together now, but I still have the old one and it is exactly like the one you have circled in the picture. so, do you think the new one i got was faulty? Because the old one was working fine for 3 years i had the car and started leaking the same way. Is there any way I can fix it or do I have to buy another new one? I hope it doesn't start leaking after 3 months. Do you have any idea what I can do? Thanks very much for your speedy reply.

Feb 25, 2022 at 2:12 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

You are very welcome. I don't like to ask, but where did you get the replacement? I ask because a lot of people sell parts online at low prices and provide poorly made parts. I have seen so many imported electrical and mechanical components that are truly junk.

As far as repair, if it isn't at the connection, get a new one. There isn't a way to repair the crimps where it is put together.

Have you already removed it? If not, there is a chance it is at the connector.

Let me know.

Joe

Feb 25, 2022 at 7:05 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Thanks Joe. I bought the bran new one in my local motor factory, that's the one that lasted 3 months. I have the car nearly 4 years now but from the first day I bought it the clutch pedal was always very heavy to push down and still was when I put in the new clutch slave is that a completely different thing or would it be related to the slave cylinder or would it be something else?

Feb 26, 2022 at 4:57 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

The clutch master cylinder and slave are simply hydraulic pumps. They wouldn't cause a hard pedal.

If it was excessively hard to press, someone may have changed the pressure plate to something other than OEM to prevent slipping. Have you ever replaced the clutch, pressure plate, release bearing, and so on? Also, when you reinstalled the slave, did you lubricate the input shaft where the release bearing moves?

If someone has changed the pressure plate to something high-performance, that may be the issue. An OEM slave can't handle the pressure.

Let me know.

Joe

Feb 26, 2022 at 6:32 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hi Joe, I haven't changed anything, only the slave cylinder, but it has been very heavy the whole time since I got it. so, I'd say someone has done something before I bought it. so do you think I should change the pressure plate and what does OEM mean?

Feb 27, 2022 at 2:24 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

If it has always been hard since you purchased it, either something was done or there is something causing it to be difficult to press.

At this point, we can try two different things. First, you may have gotten a bad slave. Have it replaced under warranty and then reinstall it to see if the new one holds up? Or the transmission needs to be removed to determine if there is something internally causing the issue.

As far as the OEM, that stands for original equipment manufacturer. It is what the vehicle would have come with from the factory.

If you want to take it apart, I would have the directions for a Sentra, but I'm not completely sure how similar they would be. However, I would be happy to send them to you.

If I were you in this situation, I would try a different slave. However, that is your call and if you want to deal with the heavy pedal.

Regardless, let me know what I can do to help you. Also, let me know what you decide.

Take care,

Joe

Feb 27, 2022 at 7:44 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Thanks, Joe, for all your help. I'll take it apart again and try another new slave cylinder. I would be grateful if you could send the Directions for the Sentra to compare it, I know you said it might be different but at the moment I have nothing to compare it to. I broke my neck 9 years ago so I'm fairly slow at doing any job since it took me over a week to do it last time as I had to take a lot of components apart just to get to the starter and other parts that had to be disconnected to get it out. so, I would be great full if you could send the Sentra directions to me, to compare it to as at the moment I have nothing to compare it to.
Thanks again for all your help.

Feb 28, 2022 at 3:11 AM

TONY BERRY

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This is the name and part number of the replacement slave cylinder I fitted.

Feb 28, 2022 at 5:47 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

No problem whatsoever. Take your time. You're lucky it wasn't worse.

As far as the clutch, the first 6 pics below are removal/replacement of the clutch and inspection. The remaining pics are for the removal and installation of the transmission.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Feb 28, 2022 at 2:51 PM

TONY BERRY

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22 POSTS

This is the slave cylinder I put in.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Mar 2, 2022 at 2:49 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Have you already installed the new one? Also, Sachs is a good brand, but even they are making things much cheaper.

Let me know if you have replaced it already. If you did, how is it working?

Joe

Mar 2, 2022 at 5:11 PM

TONY BERRY

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22 POSTS

No, I haven't replied to it yet that was the box off the one that I put in a few months ago and it didn't last. I was going to start it this weekend I sent you the picture before I bought a new one. Do you think it is okay to get the same one or do you know any better one the Nissan owned brand is crazy money?

Mar 3, 2022 at 12:09 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Chances are you got a faulty one. As mentioned, that brand is well known. The sad thing is how cheaply things are being made anymore. Everything is imported and cheap. Also, I'm not sure where you are located or what is actually available to you.

Regardless, I would have that one replaced under warranty and try it again. Hopefully, the new one will be made better.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care of yourself,

Joe

Mar 3, 2022 at 5:57 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

I think I'll get from Nissan it is double the price but I that it might be a faulty batch and I might get another faulty one I'm going to start it tomorrow. I live in Ireland, and I have to do it outside it been raining all week but it's supposed to be fine all weekend. so I'm starting it tomorrow Friday.

Mar 3, 2022 at 8:04 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Ireland? Wow... I've seen pictures and it looks beautiful. I live in Derry, but not Derry Ireland. LOL Regardless, let me know how things work out for you. Also, make sure you return the faulty part for your money back. I hope they warranty it for you.

Let me know the results or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care, my friend.

Joe

Mar 3, 2022 at 8:43 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hi Joe, I tuck the bell housing and gear box out this weekend to find the whole slave cylinder had burst inside the bell housing and made a right mess inside it. The new one won't be in until tomorrow. I'm getting it from Nissan hoping it would be better quality. When the pedal is hard to push down do you think it is something wrong with the clutch side or the gearbox side? I've never taken any of them apart before, what do you think I don't want to fit the new one and it goes as well?

Mar 6, 2022 at 11:42 AM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

This is what it looks like but when I fitted that one the bell housing was as clean as if it was new, I hope you can see how much muck that is in there and where it came from it not just oil that is in there it is thick gritty muck. Where do you think it came from?

Images (Click to enlarge)

Mar 6, 2022 at 12:07 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Wow, that is a mess. Is it just dirt collected with the fluid leaking from the slave?

As far as the clutch, that wouldn't be related to the transmission, but rather the pressure plate.

Have you gotten it back together?

Joe

Mar 6, 2022 at 7:35 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

No, I just woke up having a bad night with my back. It's 3:30 am Sunday night/Monday morning here so the dealer won't be open for about another 6 hours. I've no lift or fancy equipment, so I'm doing it outside. I have to clean it all up and collect the new parts in the morning. It is like dirt mixed with oil but where would the dirt come from the bell housing is pretty well sealed, isn't it?
The last time it went out on me was last July when it went on me it was pretty clean, certainly no muck mixed with the oil, but you'd have a better idea than me. Thanks Joe.

Mar 6, 2022 at 7:55 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Thanks Joe, but when you said the pressure plate, do you mean I should take out the clutch and replace the pressure plate as well?

Mar 6, 2022 at 8:17 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Should there be play like in the short video I have attached or is something like the clutch plate worn-out?
I haven't put in the new slave cylinder yet. When I saw the movement where the fingers are in the outer plate is, I said I'd ask your advice first. Thanks Joe.

Video (Click to enlarge)

Mar 7, 2022 at 4:54 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

That doesn't seem too bad. However, you have already gone to a lot of work removing the transmission. You may want to replace the pressure plate and clutch disc while it is out.

A bit of play is normal because it isn't installed, but that seems a bit excessive.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

Mar 7, 2022 at 5:23 AM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Okay, I didn't know if it should have any play or not, but you don't think that a small bit of play was the cause of the slave cylinder getting worn out in a few months? And what do you think can be causing the heavy clutch pedal?

Mar 7, 2022 at 10:57 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Tony,

There has to be some play otherwise the clutch wouldn't fully release. I don't think that is the cause of the slave. I think you just got a bad part. I have a feeling the hard clutch is due to the pressure plate itself. That's why I suggested replacing it. You have the hard part already done (removal and replacement of the transmission).

Please let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

Mar 7, 2022 at 1:30 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Thanks Joe, I'll order a clutch and pressure plate tomorrow and I'll have Wednesday and hopefully it won't be as heavy if it doesn't make it any later, at least we can say we tried, thanks.
Is there much of a time difference between here and where you live? It is 9:40 pm here now.

Mar 7, 2022 at 1:42 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Let me know if I can help. As far as time goes, right now it is 7:39 PM. I'm not sure where you are located.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe

Mar 7, 2022 at 4:40 PM

TONY BERRY

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Hi Joe, Happy St Patrick's Day.
Sorry I haven't got back to you before now.
I was doing the car in my back yard, and we had a week of terrible rain and my brother lives in another country and he gave me a lift with the bell housing, and he was working and was only off on the weekend. so got the job done finally just brought it for a test drive today and it is running well and you were right about the heavy clutch it was the pressure plate it is much lighter now and running better than ever thanks for all your help and advice I really appreciate it hope all is well with you take care .
From Tony

Mar 17, 2022 at 1:41 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Tony,

You are very welcome. I'm glad to hear you got it going again. I had a feeling the pressure plate was the cause. Chances are it is what caused the slave to fail.

Regardless, I'm glad to hear it's better now. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care of yourself,

Joe

Mar 17, 2022 at 2:50 PM