Monaro clutch fluid leak

[Capri_Ghia]

Hi, my big boot Monaro CV8 is slowly losing clutch fluid. I have to top up the reservoir every 2 weeks or so. I discovered this by the clutch pedal turning to mush but fortunately topping up the fluid sorted it, for now. There's no fluid under the car.

I took the car to a garage near work who couldn't find the source of the leak between the master cylinder and where the clutch line enters the bell housing. They've said there's no fluid around the bell housing but didn't actually open it up to inspect further.

I suspect this could be a leaking slave cylinder. Does that sound like the likely suspect?

My car's only done 60K miles and I know it's on the original clutch. Maybe it's time for a complete overhaul...

[Lincsls1]

Yes, if you can't see any leaks around the master and pipework to and into the bell housing then I agree the slave is probably leaking. Maybe even just at the bleed point in there?
Does the master cylinder bolt tight up to the bulk head? Just wondering if its possible to leak through the plunger that might pass through to the cabin? I can't remember without looking what the arrangement is, if so just have a good look inside above the pedal. I think its more likely to be the slave seals as that's where all the black dirty ste settles.
Assuming it is the slave, like you say, maybe a good time for some investment. New clutch, slave, remote bleed kit etc..

Edited by Lincsls1 on Saturday 12th January 18:57

[vxr2010]

Yes sounds like the slave cylinder , there are a number of suppliers out there , walkinsahaw aas rock auto , they are not that much to but , don’t forget to get a spigot bearing and it’s well worth going for an ls7 clutch and remote bleed whilst you are there , the box comes off the bell housing first then take the bell housing off , if you go straight to take the bell housing off there is not enough clearance , it’s not a difficult job to do when on ramps

[vxkev]

yup sounds like the slave is on its way out get a full LS7 kit including spigot bearing and slave also why you are at it get the remote bleed pipe and a gearbox mount as they are usually on their way too

[wozzza]

Rock auto is the place to go. Can be done much cheaper than sourcing parts over here.

LUK04905 is the same as the OEM LS7 kit. It includes flywheel, pressure plate and clutch.

Then you want a spigot bearing, slave cylinder. And rear main seal kit. Remote bleeder line is useful to have too.

Think my total bill from rock auto was around £550 landed. And £300 for fitting as I didn’t have time to do it myself. I was quoted £1400+ over here.

[Lincsls1]

wozzza said:

Rock auto is the place to go. Can be done much cheaper than sourcing parts over here.

LUK04905 is the same as the OEM LS7 kit. It includes flywheel, pressure plate and clutch.

Then you want a spigot bearing, slave cylinder. And rear main seal kit. Remote bleeder line is useful to have too.

Think my total bill from rock auto was around £550 landed. And £300 for fitting as I didn’t have time to do it myself. I was quoted £1400+ over here.

Brilliant information that mate.
Don't suppose you have the other part numbers to hand, make it real easy for us (me!) simple folk in the future?

[selym]

This is what I bought, I may have bought an extra pilot (spigot) bearing for no apparent reason.

The clutch kit is LS7.

Edited by selym on Monday 14th January 12:51

[Lincsls1]

Cheers, much appreciated!

[Capri_Ghia]

Thanks for all the replies.

I was thinking that it's probably the time for an LS7 clutch - get it all done in one go. I'll won't be fitting it myself though, it's beyond my rudimentary mechanical skills

I don't have any performance upgrades as yet but it'll be nice to know the new clutch can handle more power if I go down that route later on.

Has anyone on here used Moonshine Motors near Derby for work on their cars? They've been recommended by as a great place for classic American restoration and maintenance. They're a lot closer to me than any of the Holden specialists.

[Capri_Ghia]

I thought I should conclude this thread.

I took the Monaro to Walkinshaw Performance and had the LS7 clutch + flywheel, slave spigot etc fitted. I now have a nicer clutch and no leak.

The LS7 is definitely a good upgrade, albeit a bit pricey.

It's the first time I've been to WP. Very impressed with their knowledge and service.

[Lincsls1]

Nice one!
Did WP source your parts for you and if so how did that price compare with the DIY import above?

[MontyPythonX]

Glad you got it sorted

[Capri_Ghia]

Yes, WP had all the bits on the shelf so I let them sort it out.

It cost me considerably more than the kit listed above but I wanted them to look over the car anyway. Just as well too as they pointed out a few things I hadn't spotted that needed attention.