New Clutch = new slave cylinder too?

[MC12]

Hi All,
My Tuscan has done nearly 34,000 miles and is still on it's original clutch. I am going on a European road trip in June and have decided that getting the clutch replaced before I go would be advisable. I'm the only TVR going so you can imagine the stick I'll get if it breaks down!
I've spoken to a couple of different garages to get prices for the replacement and am being given different advice (obviously) with one saying that I should automatically fit a new slave cylinder at the same time and another saying not to worry unless there are signs of leakage from this.
What are others experience with this please? Have slave cylinders been replaced with clutch as a matter of course?
Also does everyone agree that a new clutch after that many miles is a worthwhile investment. The car is not tracked, and always driven fairly conservatively (for a TVR!!).
Cheers.
Tom

[canski]

My Mk1 S is on 37k miles no problems , when the box was off at 32k for starter motor seized to bell housing, the clutch was fine but the seals were replaced as a precaution. ( It gets hot in there!! ) Many on this forum will no doubt advise on clutch problems. Given the costs involved just replacing the clutch if you decide that route, I would get the slave cylinder checked at the same time. The seals are about £27 but the slave cylinder complete is pricey @ around £270 from TVR parts. Hopefully just the seals. Good luck & have a great trip.
Dave

Edited by canski on Friday 7th April 12:21

[Englishman]

In my experience of four S6 cars, the slave has started leaking before the clutch actually needed replacing (twice, on different cars), but I've always replaced both together to minimise costs long-term.

[Basil Brush]

I would at least get the seals done, if the rest of the slave is still ok. From experience, it's not worth the risk of paying the labour charge twice within a year or two.

[tvrgreg]

Have fitted i guess 50+ ap racing clutches in sp6 and ajp over the years, 28k is the average mileage they wear out. always best to strip slave out for inspection, if metalwork is still good and not scored fit new seals and bearing and that will save 5hrs labour down the line if it sprang a leak, law of sod and all that

[nawarne]

As has been suggested - get the slave re-sealed at the minimum.

Obviously, check the condition of the slave before re-assembly....As mentioned it'll save 5hrs labour!!

Nick

[stevieeg]

Personally if it isn't broken I probably wouldn't try to fix it, as an installation would seem more likely to introduce a wear-in failure than a bit more driving would introduce a wear out one. That's just my gut feel over 40K miles in Tuscans over the past 4 years

I've been plagued with Slave Cylinder issues: 4 replacements in that time. The latest time it went I performed the replacement myself on my driveway and fitted the RaceProved part - something my former workshop was reluctant to do. It only has 6K miles on it so I can't comment on it's durability, but with the old part and the RaceProved side-by-side on a bench the build quality of the RaceProved was miles ahead of the OEM.

[MC12]

Thanks all. So sounds like get it checked, change the seals or replace if it appears at all damaged. Cheers.

[tofts]

Resealing existing slave is very hit and miss in my book. I don't recommend it now, sometimes it lasts a couple of weeks other times it lasts forever. If your willing to take that risk, do it. The only slave i have found that consistently works is the RP slave, not only this but the clutch feel is improved as well.

[Hunter T]

Mine is in at the moment, it’s a 2004 S and has covered 44k on its original clutch. It’s having the clutch and 12000 done at the same time, had phone call.. engine is perfect, nothing required. So 44k on the original engine also. Few niggles to sort, faulty speedo and wing mirror but in general... not to shabby ??