280i clutch coversion - cable to hydraulic

[js43tvr]

I have an 84 280i with a 5-spd gearbox and a cable clutch. I want to convert it to the hydraulic clutch system. Is there a previous post that describes this conversion?

Looking at the parts manual and service notes, I am clear on the master cylinder fitting and connection to the pedal. I also am clear on the sizes of the master & slave cylinders. What I cannot find is a diagram or sketch that shows how the slave cylinder would mount to the gearbox.

Is it possible for someone to post a photo of their slave cylinder mounting bracket showing how it is attached to the bellhousing? I am not clear if the mounting is the same for the 4-spd & 5-spd gearbox.

Thanks, Jerry

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Mate..It appears that from 84 on most US cars were fitted with an hydraulic clutch system very much the same as on the V8..If you email me i can attach a few pages from the steve heath manual that shows what you need..Cheers..Ziga

[js43tvr]

Ziga was kind enough to send me a few pages from the bible that describes the hydraulic clutch operation on the 280i, but could someone snap a few photos of their actual slave cylinder mount? I need to fabricate a mounting bracket that attaches to the 5-spd bell housing in the proper orientation and I have not been able to obtain enough information to get me started.

Thanks, Jerry

[mrzigazaga]

No Probs mate...Im sure someone else will be able to help...Ziga

[taz turbo]

I believe the 280 hydraulic slave cylinder is a coaxial set up, ie. there is no release bearing arm used, the gearbox input shaft passes through a hole in the centre of the salve cylinder. A major PITA if you need to replace cylinder or seals as it's gearbox out time.

Something like this

Waiting for someone with more knowledge on the subject.

Chris.

[Mr Tank]

taz turbo said:

I believe the 280 hydraulic slave cylinder is a coaxial set up, ie. there is no release bearing arm used, the gearbox input shaft passes through a hole in the centre of the salve cylinder. A major PITA if you need to replace cylinder or seals as it's gearbox out time.

Something like this

Waiting for someone with more knowledge on the subject.

Chris.

Chris

That's the early system.

The later system is as per the other mentioned system.


Andy

[Wedg1e]

taz turbo said:

I believe the 280 hydraulic slave cylinder is a coaxial set up, ie. there is no release bearing arm used, the gearbox input shaft passes through a hole in the centre of the salve cylinder. A major PITA if you need to replace cylinder or seals as it's gearbox out time.
Chris.

Funnily enough, I stripped the coax slave from my Tasmin in about '98 and at over 100,000 miles it showed hardly any signs of wear - no sloppiness of the 'piston' on the base part. All seals were fine - in fact IIRC they more resembled those you'd find on, say, a trolley-jack. I think it was designed by a proper hydraulics engineer
I have a fully-dimensioned drawing of the assembly somewhere.

[Adrian@]

Why not ask on the S series forum to see if the S series version will be of any use.
Adrian@