Clutch Master Cylinder

[4x4RangerGuy]

Man, I just can't win can I. Coming home from the Patriots game on Sunday my clutch master cylinder decides to pop out of the pedal bracket (98 Rangers use an MC that clicks into the pedal bracket instead of bolting to the firewall).

So I popped it back it, and it keeps twisting and unlocking out of place, as if the little divots bored into the bracket aren't enough to hold the MC in place. You're supposed to put in the MC in, and turn it 45 degrees so that the corners of the square flange on the MC lock into the divots on the bracket.

So, I mangaged to drill through the pedal bracket and through the MC backing plate and I put a bolt through it. Seems to work well. However, I'm confused what is causing my MC to unlock and pop out of the bracket...I'm starting to wonder if the line is not the right one and it's causing the MC to twist improperly.

Luckily I knew exactly what happened; I was leaving Gilette Stadium in rush hour traffic on a hill when it popped out. I reached under the brake booster and popped it back into place.

You guys have any ideas? Thanks.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

If anyone with a 98+ Ranger could maybe grab a pic of their clutch line I'd really appreciate it.

 

[TwoTrackMind]

4wiw

I tried to take a pic of mine (in the rain no less), but there was no way I could see it, let alone get the camera close to it (seems the brake booster is very in the way). If you have any other clues for me to help you with, Id be more than willing to try.

I thought Id seen all the problems you could have with clutches but yours is new to me! I solved most of my nightmares by replacing everything above the transmission (well, the shop guy did it) then it worked good until the slave cyl. began leaking again. I found out then that particular shop went out of business (probably from replacing that s*$b&# MC!).

Anywayz, to describe my line, it is plastic, with formed bends. Other then that, I dunno what else to say at this time. (wishing ranger had a setup like my old 'cuda, all mechanical linkage!)

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

The clutch system works great, it's just the master cylinder really isn't held in by anything except the divots in the bracket that the corners of the MC lock into when you twist the MC 45 degrees. It's not very sturdy.

 

[mat6671]

Just a thought..

Have you checked the clutch pedal mount bracket? If the bushing fails(and it can) it can throw the entire pedal assembly out of alignment......