Master and Slave Clutch Cylinder Replacement

[lotususa1]

Does anyone have any advise on how to replace the clutch cylinders on my 87 Lotus Esprit? I have heard that it is easy and inexpensive. Where should I purchase the required equipment? Thanks.

[lotusguy]

lotususa1 said:

Does anyone have any advise on how to replace the clutch cylinders on my 87 Lotus Esprit? I have heard that it is easy and inexpensive. Where should I purchase the required equipment? Thanks.

Hi,

It's very straightforward, but why replace, why not rebuild? It's a simple matter of dissassembly (do need a compressed air supply to eject the piston in the master). Any of the usual sources can supply either new or a rebuild kit.

For the clutch Master, you probably need to unbolt the Servo and move it slightly to get the clutch Master past it but other than that and a good bleeding (preferrably with a power bleeder, it's pretty easy. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[lotususa1]

Sounds easy, I have not done this before. I do like the sounds of repair ILO replace. Is it simply removal of the cylinder from the bonnet or do I have to dig deeper for this replacement? Pics would help me better understand what has to be done. Thanks for your advise....I will take any good advise anytime.

[kylie]

Hi I borrowed a detailed procedure on how to do this from the lotusespritworld website, its a very good guide, also on how to bleed clutch hose too. Its also a good opportunity to upgrade your red hose to a stainless steel braided one while you are there, but does take a bit more time. Anyway have a look. I bought my parts from SJ Sportcars.

Edited to add the pics on the website are excellent and easy to make reference to relevant parts.
Good luck
Kylie

>> Edited by kylie on Sunday 11th July 19:35

[autocross7]

Hi! I'd recommend getting the rebuild kits from JAE in California. They are not expensive. As far as getting the old out...The slave just comes right off...two bolts and the line. The master is pretty easy but does require some awkward shifting under the dash.

There is a little retainer pin to be poped out (do not loose it) and then slide out the main pin.
From under the bonnet...
Take the banjo bolt out of the top of the Master (this is the bolt with the clutch line attached).

Use a 12mm (? - could be 13mmm I can't remeber) and undo the top bolt on the master, and use a long extention for the bottom.
Done.

The cylinders come apart pretty much the same way, a little C type clip holds the parts in. Remove it and push in as hard as you can - letting go at the bottom, and the insides will come out nice... you'll want to be sure there are not any 'hard' scratches down the bore using a good light. Polish a bit down the bore with fine steel wool or Dremmel tool - clean it afterwards! - and put in the new parts....

Drive topless!!!
Cameron

[woodytype S]

My S1 is booked in today to have a new clutch master cylinder fitted.You have to be very nimble to fit it yourself,the removal of the cylinder to clutch pin is not easy.I had a problem even with the seat removed.

[h2dca]

Though rebuilding is a good option I found that the replacement parts were of a higher standard than the originals. I tend to use 2 companies in the UK, SJ as Kylie pointed out and these guys

www.pnmengineering.com

They supplied me with a new competition master and slave cylinder as well as a stainless hoes to replace the dreaded red plastic hose (Total cost was about £200 GBP). The Esprit World webpage is fantastic for advice on this repair and others.

Best regards
Hamish
94 S4