Description of Problem: clutch master cylinder leak 1993 Ford Ranger

Description of Problem: The line going from the side of the clutch master cylinder down to the transmission. It is leaking at the point where the line is attached to the side of the master cylinder. I need to know about the o-ring washer that goes on the end of the fitting. Seems it was bad and deteriorated so I do not know what it looked like. I have tried putting another small o-ring washer on it, but still get a leak. The line also has some play in ii that allows it to be pulled very slightly. I realize the play is cause of leak, but perhaps I have wrong 0-ring washer or something else.

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Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there – your clutch fluid line leak may be a problem with the connector thread for either the master cylinder itself, or the fluid line going to the slave cylinder. I recommend a fluid leak inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, determine which component is causing the leak, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

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Causes of clutch fluid leaks from the clutch system:

Worn master cylinder seals – Your car`s clutch master cylinder has seals that prevent fluid from leaking out. These seals will degrade over time, which may eventually resulting in them leaking brake fluid from above and around the clutch pedal.

Clutch master cylinders develop leaks both internally and externally. Check for an external leak on the floorboard behind the clutch pedal or the engine compartment`s firewall. If there is a loss of pressure after the clutch is applied, and there are no external leaks, suspect an internal leak.
If it malfunctions, the cylinder will not distribute pressure properly, and the pedal will be affected. When you continue using your car will a bad cylinder, it will wear out and start leaking. The pedal will also feel spongy, mushy, and may sink far down when pressed.
clutch master cylinders are prone to leaks, and a faulty one can cause a number of problems. these are some of the most common. soft or loose clutch pedal: a clutch master cylinder that is leaking, internally or externally, can result in a soft clutch pedal or a pedal that has excessive free play.
Air as cause of malfunction

As far as the hydraulic clutch is concerned, the following symptoms may occur: Change of the pedal travel. Difficulties in disengaging the clutch. Imprecise pedal feel.

Clutch fluid is really just brake fluid that is kept in the clutch master cylinder. When you depress the clutch pedal, this fluid flows from the clutch master cylinder into the slave cylinder. The pressure of the fluid is then used to engage the clutch, which allows you to change gears.
Most clutch leaks occur at the master cylinder (under the dash) or at the slave cylinder (on the side of the transmission). Look for wetness around the shafts on both of these cylinders. When the internal seals fail fluid can leak out when the shaft enters the housing.
If the clutch fluid is low, look all over both master and slave cylinders and the pipe that connects them for signs of a leak. Pull back the lip of the dust cover on both cylinders. If there is hydraulic fluid inside the cover the piston seal is worn or damaged or the cylinder may be scored.
Use a screwdriver to press and hold the plunger in the rear of the master cylinder. The plunger should be very firm, if not immovable, past a few millimeters. If the plunger keeps moving in, this indicates a fault of at least one of the internal seals.
Common signs of a clutch fluid leak are difficulty shifting or grinding noises while shifting, clutch pedal staying close to the floor, and dirty or low clutch fluid. Bar`s Leaks Hydraulic Manual Clutch Fluid with Stop Leak stops small leaks (adding fluid once per month) and medium leaks (adding fluid once per week).
Without question, the most common symptom of a problematic brake master cylinder is a spongey, or even sinking, brake pedal. Brake fluid will also often leak from a faulty cylinder leaving tell-tale fluid puddles underneath your car. Braking performance may also be impeded as the part starts to fail.
The most common reason for cylinder head failure is overheating caused by coolant loss, head gasket failure or restricted flow of coolant. In extreme cases a cracked or damaged cylinder head can result in terminal damage to the entire engine.
In the case of hydraulic systems, there are three easily detectable symptoms that give early warning of root cause conditions. These symptoms are abnormal noise, high fluid temperature and slow operation.
You can find these leaks using an ultrasonic gun or by simply placing a small drop of oil or grease around the suspected leak site. If there is a leak, a hole will be drilled through the grease, showing you the area of air ingression.
In fact, many hydraulic clutch systems use standard spec brake fluid—but check with your vehicle`s owner`s manual to make sure. That means your clutch fluid is hygroscopic too, which is a fancy way of saying it sucks up moisture from the air over time.
Without question, the most common symptom of a problematic brake master cylinder is a spongey, or even sinking, brake pedal. Brake fluid will also often leak from a faulty cylinder leaving tell-tale fluid puddles underneath your car. Braking performance may also be impeded as the part starts to fail.
Common reasons for this to happen: Leaking Hose from Brake Master Cylinder: One of the most common reasons to notice brake fluid leaking around your clutch pedal is a hole in the delivery hose that sends fluid from the brake master cylinder to the clutch master cylinder.
There are two basic ways a clutch fails – it either fails to disengage, or fails to engage fully.
Common reasons for this to happen: Leaking Hose from Brake Master Cylinder: One of the most common reasons to notice brake fluid leaking around your clutch pedal is a hole in the delivery hose that sends fluid from the brake master cylinder to the clutch master cylinder.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Description of Problem: clutch master cylinder leak 1993 Ford Ranger
ANSWER : Hi there – your clutch fluid line leak may be a problem with the connector thread for either the master cylinder itself, or the fluid line going to the slave cylinder. I recommend a fluid leak inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, determine which component is causing the leak, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Clutch pedal goes to the floor and doesn’t return
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for your question. You could watch the clutch fluid as it mentions in the test, but this really doesn’t tell you much. Most of the time this is caused by a bad clutch master cylinder. If the fluid level is low the first thing to do would be to locate the leak. If the fluid is full then I watch to see that he clutch slave is moving when the clutch is pressed. If it is and if it is releasing but the pedal stays down then that is another reason to change the clutch master. If the clutch slave and fork are not releasing then it may have an internal clutch failure. If you would like help getting this inspected or repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to perform the inspection and make or suggest any repairs needed.

I have no clutch it goes to the floor and I cannot find the slave master cylinder for the clutch master cylinder please send pics
ANSWER : The reservoir supplying the fluid to both cylinders is the brake master cylinder reservoir. However, adequate fluid there means nothing as a diagnostic. The clutch slave and/or master cylinder could be leaking internally (no visible external leak) or there could be air in the clutch hydraulic system that will have to be bled out. There are other mechanical causes of the clutch pedal going to the floor but in your circumstances that hydraulic circuit should be looked at first. If you desire a diagnostic, and repair of this issue, right at your location, please request a clutch system inspection. If you request that inspection, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

My clutch is not working Entire clutch repair or clutch master cylinder repair? How do I check the cylinder?
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the slave cylinder to the clutch and see if the piston is all the way out. If the piston is all the way out or its not touching the clutch fork, then the release bearing has broken and the fork has moved into the clutch. If the slave cylinder is relaxed and the fork is against it, then the clutch pressure plate has sprung a pressure spring. If the pedal can go down but not all the way to the floor, then the clutch needs replaced with a new release bearing. If you need further assistance with a clutch replacement, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Clutch pedal stays to floor. Replaced master cylinder. Clutch push rod broke. Also do I need to change slave cylinder
ANSWER : If you have an issue with your clutch pedal going to the floor, the slave cylinder is normally the cause of this circumstance.

Also, if the push rod has been broken the first step would be to track down a new one because that push rod is a very necessary part of the clutch pedal system.

Once a new push rod has been located and installed, I would recommend having a new slave cylinder installed as well.

If you are in doubt about this repair, I would recommend having it performed by a qualified professional, such as one from YourMechanic. One of our mobile technicians will be able to come to your home to diagnose the issue with your clutch pedal and replace your clutch slave cylinder as necessary.

Clutch not working after replacing slave cylinder and master cylinder
ANSWER : Hello. We will be happy to help you with your vehicle. It sounds like you have a problem with your throw out bearing. You would likely need to drop the transmission once again and check that the installation of the throwout bearing is proper. You may also try to peel back the boot around the slave cylinder to see inside of the transmission. By doing so you may be able to see possible damages on the throwout bearing. It will be a great idea to use a stethoscope before you take the vehicle back apart to help pinpoint exactly what portion of the transmission coming from. Another very important thing that you should check are your axle’s, make sure they are seated correctly inside of the transmission.

Master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder replaced
ANSWER : Unfortunately, using the same plastic clutch slave cylinder assembly the vehicle was manufactured with will cause the same results if the vehicle is abused. The plastic part is very strong, but cannot withstand the heat and pressure from hard driving. You may be able to do some research and find a higher performance part produced by an aftermarket company, as some companies specialize in manufacturing upgraded parts for higher performance. If you would like some assistance with this, one of the technicians from YourMechanic can come to your location to inspect the shaking problem and let you know what repairs are needed.

Replaced Master and Slave clutch cylinders, feels like I have a clutch but can’t put into gear while running.
ANSWER : You may still have some air in the clutch hydraulics, or you are having an issue with the clutch not fully releasing. This can be from the air in the system causing the clutch slave cylinder to not move far enough and disengage the clutch all the way.

You may also have a pressure plate that is not releasing the clutch completely. Try to position your vehicle with nothing in front or behind you. With the engine off, put it in first or reverse gear with the clutch pressed and start the car. If the car starts to move, then you know you are not disengaging the clutch all the way.

If the vehicle is not moving, then slowly let up on the clutch until you feel the clutch start to engage. The pedal should get at least 3 inches off the floor before it starts to engage. If this is okay, then let the clutch all the way out and move slow, then press in the clutch all the way to see if the clutch releases and the vehicle can be stopped while it is in gear with the clutch pressed down without stalling the engine. If any problems are found during these tests, then you may need more bleeding of clutch or a replacement clutch. If you would like a local expert to come and conduct these tests for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose your shifting issue.