Master Cylinder and Clutch Life

[rangerpilot]

Hey Everyone,

I am just wondering a couple things.

How can I tell if my Clutch Master Cylinder is going bad (as compared to the slave or actual clutch disc)?

How long should all clutch components last under normal (mostly highway) driving conditions?

My Ranger has 277k on it and it has been about 2.5-3 years since its last replacement (I have replaced it a few times over its lifespan). I could look it up but I am guessing that I have less than 75k on the replacement parts.

Recently I have felt a little difference in the shift but no yet tough to shift, just a little slack in the pedal and I am nervous it is about to go out. Just now it slipped out of reverse. Maybe I didn't get it in all the way but I am fearful of an expense I don't want right now.

Any tips on how to spot and if needed schedule a preventative replacement before I am stuck somewhere?

Can the master cylinder cause premature wear on other clutch parts?

Thanks.


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[adsm08]

I would say the hydraulic components should last at least the life of the clutch, but obviously some brands are built better than others.

To test the master unhook the line at the slave, and try to push the pedal. It should be rock hard immediately. Don't force it because it is very possible to bend the push rod with the line unhooked. Just give it enough to feel it out. I don't even use my leg, I use my hand when doing this test.

Any fault in the hydraulic part of the clutch system can cause undue wear on the disc and the transmission syncros.

 

[rangerpilot]

Thanks. Another piece of info. The Master has never been changed over the course of the life of the truck and I am probably on slave 3 (?). I have had the clutch fail once but have replaced the transmission on a separate occasion so swapped clutch parts at the same time to prevent unnecessary labor.


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