Clutch release bearing called clutch slave cylinder???

[ianwynneuk]

Hi all,
I have been told (and ordered) tha tthe clutch release bearing equivalent ont he E60 or any other BMW is the clutch slave cylinder as it is hydraulic. Is this right? DOes anyone know as i'm doing my clutch this week and want to do the "obvious" bits whilst having it out and want to get it right.

It makes sense as if you search for a clutch release bearing on Euro Car parts it can't find anything.

Confused!

Thanks for any advice.

Ian

[Purple Tom]

On some cars the clutch release bearing and clutch slave cylinder is the same thing. Its a concentric slave cylinder that fits around the input shaft of the gearbox and serves to do both jobs.

Here's a pic:



I presume that's the sort of thing that the E60 has, rather than the earlier type of external slave cylinder and clutch operating fork.

Cheers
Tom

[ianwynneuk]

Thanks Tom, that makes a lot of sense.

One final question, is it likely that the concentric slave cylinder comes with the clutch slave cylinder or do I have to order it as well?

Ian

[Purple Tom]

The concentric slave cylinder IS the clutch slave cylinder.

It does both jobs; that of clutch release bearing and clutch slave cylinder so just order it and you'll be fine.

Tom

[E30M3SE]

No.

On BMW's they are not the same thing, the release bearing ('module' in BMW speak) is part 3,



The slave cylinder ('output cylinder clutch') is part 13, the clutch master being part 1.

[Purple Tom]

I stand corrected, sorry about that! Having done some proper googling, the E60 looks to have an external slave cylinder and traditional clutch fork etc, as shown in the diagrams above.

OP - Might be worth checking that ECP are definitely providing the right part?

[ianwynneuk]

I can't find the release bearing anywhere and SC motor factors also say it is the "concentric slave cylinder" and not the bearing. Maybe it comes with it?

I have checked Ebay, ECP search (again) as well.

How terminal is it if it arrives and I do the clutch and just don't bother changing it? I expect it will last 200k plus anyway?

How annoying!

Ian

[E30M3SE]

Not sure which 5 series you have, but looking at ECP the clutch kits they sell come with clutch plate, cover and release bearing.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/clutch-kit

Check car parts 4 less, they will be cheaper for exactly the same item, even down to the labels on the box.

[ianwynneuk]

It's an E61, 56 plate.
Just called BMW and they say it comes part of the clutch slave cyliner kit?? They also seemed unsure though.
Maybe I should have a good rifle throug the clutch I've got and see if it's in there?

Ian

[ianwynneuk]

Oh yes, look at this listing "comes with the concentric slave cylinder" - doh!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260905018151?ssPageName=...

Think just goign to go with it and ask the garage to fit this, plus the clutch slave cylinder that I bought as well!

Can someone confirm if they think I am up the right street? When did clutches get so complicated!??

Ian

[buggalugs]

Realoem says you have a conventional external slave cylinder.

Clutch kits usually come with a release bearing.

External slaves are easy to change so just leave it till it breaks, release bearings are inside the bellhousing and you need to remove the gearbox to change them so you just change those regardless.

HTH

Edited by buggalugs on Tuesday 28th February 18:10

[ianwynneuk]

Thanks to all, it helps a lot. Your advice is all really appreciated

Ian