Clutch fluid leak.
Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 3 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 3 Series (E21, E30, E36, E46, E90, E91 & E92)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=10291
Printed Date: 08-May-2024 at 07:22
Topic: Clutch fluid leak.
Posted By: Tim325i
Subject: Clutch fluid leak.
Date Posted: 03-September-2004 at 05:59
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Hi, The E30 325 tourer I’m borrowing (while I fix the release bearing on my E36 318is) is loosing clutch fluid at a frightening rate. There doesn’t appear to be any puddles and the clutch works fine. I want to fix it before I return it as a ‘thank you’ and would like your opinions on which components are likely to be the culprits. I guess the slave cylinder is a good place to start, but where else? Thanks Tim |
Replies:
Posted By: b318isp
Date Posted: 03-September-2004 at 07:42
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Yes, I'd start with the slave cylinder - and usually the master cylinder isn't far behind it. The resevoir is adjacent to the battery (if under the hood) and the hose for it can perish and the cap can crack... ------------- 
http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/index.html - My E30 318is Site |
Posted By: nige1975
Date Posted: 03-September-2004 at 08:10
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The slave cylinder is a good one, bit of a pain with it being under the dash. Mine went, but I had the symptoms of sitting in traffic with the clutch depressed then the car would start to go forward by itself. This was caused by the cylinder leaking and slowly letting the clutch out as the hydraulic pressure wasn't constant. Not nice when your car gets a mind of its own and starts to creep forward by itself! ------------- 1990 E30 BMW 320iSE 2005 E46 BMW 320dSE (wanted) |
Posted By: b318isp
Date Posted: 03-September-2004 at 09:38
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...the slave is on the bellhousing, the master cylinder is under the dash... -------------
http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/index.html - My E30 318is Site |
Posted By: Tim325i
Date Posted: 07-September-2004 at 07:31
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It was the master cylinder, nice puddle of fluid under the carpet 2. Of course I put the car on ramps and looked at the slave cylinder first only to discover that simply removing the lower dash panel (4 plastic bolts) revealed the obviously leaky master cylinder. Moral of this story, check the master cylinder first... Tim |
Posted By: kbannon
Date Posted: 07-September-2004 at 07:35
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as Brendan said - best to do both together as they usually fail around the same time ------------- Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual |
Posted By: nige1975
Date Posted: 07-September-2004 at 07:43
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It is personal preference if the decision is made to change both, not forgetting that it may have been replaced in the past. My master cylinder failed around 75K. The car has now done 125K and the slave is still ok (touch wood) and it hasn't been replaced previously. If it isn't broken, why fix it?! ------------- 1990 E30 BMW 320iSE 2005 E46 BMW 320dSE (wanted) |
Posted By: b318isp
Date Posted: 09-September-2004 at 08:18
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My experience is the opposite with both my E30's. Some people say that a new master cylinder can put a higher pressure on a old slave, causing it to fail quicker... -------------
http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/index.html - My E30 318is Site |