engine and drivetrain Clutch Slave Cylinder Installed Inverted!

[bnam]

In a recent thread by hackmechanic (I think) I had posted the question -- can the slave cylinder be mounted upside down, and will that make it easier to remove?

 

To my surprise I found out today that the slave cylinder on my car was mounted inverted by the PO.  So I can answer my two questions -- yes and no.

 

 

It's been working like that for about 7000 miles now.  I took a half hearted try at loosening the top nut, but I'm inclined to let this sleeping dog lie.

 

Byas

[allbim]

An inverted cylinder may not bleed properly, since the bleed-hole on a properly installed one (nipple pointing down) goes to the top of the cylinder.

Edited December 8, 2013 by allbim

[M3M3]

yep.  no way to get the air out of the top of the slave.  PO may have bled the thing while it was out of the trans, then installed it upside down.

[dbmw2002]

Qwestion begs to be asked, is clutch working properly? If so I wouldnt touch it, the chore of turning that over and possibly reitroducing air in line with bleeding a maybe, not worth it if functioning. When the time comes to remove engine or tranny for clutch replacement put it on your chore list then, much easier when you have room to work.  PO possibly pressure bled from underneath?

[TobyB]

Oh yeh, if that thing's working, don't poke at it!

 

t

[tim385]

By your photo that is the correct way , fluid comes in the bottom and the bleed screw on top, air goes up ...right even in the southern hemisphere it goes up

[02Les]

By your photo that is the correct way , fluid comes in the bottom and the bleed screw on top, air goes up ...right even in the southern hemisphere it goes up

The 320 5spd slave cyl has passageways/drillings that result in the bleeder pointing downwards to be correct.

I used to have a cut-away diagram of it.....but.....can't find it.

 

Ok found it; hope it's legible.

Edited December 8, 2013 by 02Les

[bnam]

Qwestion begs to be asked, is clutch working properly? If so I wouldnt touch it, the chore of turning that over and possibly reitroducing air in line with bleeding a maybe, not worth it if functioning. When the time comes to remove engine or tranny for clutch replacement put it on your chore list then, much easier when you have room to work.  PO possibly pressure bled from underneath?

 

 

Oh yeh, if that thing's working, don't poke at it!

 

t

 

It works just fine and has for 7K+miles.  Won't attempt to change it for now.  Got too many things going on -- suspension - springs, bushings; driveshaft, output seal etc.

 

 

 

 

The fluid-in nipple is angled to the left in this pic.  If this had been mounted correctly, it would have canted towards the gearbox leaving space for a long extension to reach the upper nut.  But, since the bleed screw is not canted -- in this inverted position -- I think there is even less space to get at the nut from behind.

[M3M3]

By your photo that is the correct way , fluid comes in the bottom and the bleed screw on top, air goes up ...right even in the southern hemisphere it goes up

Not correct.....as has been explained..hose goes up.

[jimk]

Would everyone print 02Les's posted slave sheet and carry it in your wallet so this can be the last time this well worn question appears!

[M3M3]

Geez. I guess i missed an opportunity to say "do a search" :-)