How to check for leaking slave cylinder - Ford Focus

[hungledink78]

Wondering if someone can provide a bit of advice as I may or may not have a problem with my slave or master cylinder.

I have a 2004 ford focus 1.6. which has done 120k miles. I've only had it 2 years so I only know the cam belt has been done recently.

The biting point of my clutch pedal is very high, says 3/4 of the way from the clutch pedal being fully released but im not sure if this has always been the case since i've had the car, or if its a recent development.

I also have a an issue with the break pedal, sometimes its spongy while other times its firm, although this doesnt seem to affect the breaking performance.

I was advised that it sounds like the slave cylinder may be leaking. Is there any checks I can do to test this?

Also, the mechanic said that its wise to replace the clutch if the slave cylinder needs doing and quoted £240. Is a clutch replacement advisable in this scenario and if so is £240 reasonable?

Thanks in advance.

[MG CHRIS]

As most slave cylinders are inside the box instead of outside to replace it means removing the box so you may as well replace the clutch as it comes in a full kit.

[jamieduff1981]

Ford slaves are inside the bellhousing and are concentric type - the gearbox input shaft goes through the middle of the slave which has the release bearing incorporated in to it.

The bellhousing has a small drain hole at the flange where it mates to the engine block. If the slave is leaking fluid, there will be staining and dampness around this drain hole.

[Baryonyx]

The leaking slave cylinder on a Ford Focus usually manifests as a wet brake pedal, at least in the mk1.

[jamieduff1981]

Baryonyx said:

The leaking slave cylinder on a Ford Focus usually manifests as a wet brake pedal, at least in the mk1.

Sure you're not thinking of the master cylinder?

[DuraAce]

Is your fluid level dropping?

[Krikkit]

jamieduff1981 said:

Baryonyx said:

The leaking slave cylinder on a Ford Focus usually manifests as a wet brake pedal, at least in the mk1.

Sure you're not thinking of the master cylinder?

Definitely thinking master there.

As above 1, if the fluid level is the same then chances are it's not leaking, could be the vacuum servo leaking?

[catman]

I've had three Mondeos. The clutch pedal has been high on all of them. Unless you're losing fluid, you don't have a leak.

If you need a new slave cylinder, I'd replace the clutch at the same time.

Tim

[hungledink78]

No leaking fluid, the reservoir is full. Tried the foot down in 4th to see if the revs increase faster than the speed and it didnt. Wondering if I may be imagining an issue that isnt there unless something else could explain the spongy break pedal.

[Dogwatch]

The spongy brake (all the right letters, and in the right order) pedal may be down to air in the brake pipes. Fluid probably needs changing anyway so kill two problems with one job.

[hungledink78]

Dogwatch said:

The spongy brake (all the right letters, and in the right order)

Wow, you are clever aren't you!!