Concentric Clutch Release Cylinder Problems and Solutions

A concentric clutch slave cylinder, also known as a concentric clutch release bearing or a hydraulic slave cylinder, is an important hydraulic component in an automotive manual transmission. It is mounted directly in the centre of the clutch pressure plate, making it more compact with the rest of the clutch. This design simplifies the mechanics, but can also present specific problems. The following is a detailed analysis and solution to these problems:

 I. Concentric Clutch Release Cylinder Common Problems and Symptoms

1. Hydraulic System Leakage

   - Symptom: Oil stains around the clutch slave cylinder and reduced hydraulic fluid.

   - Cause: Seals are aged, damaged or improperly installed, resulting in hydraulic oil leakage.

2. Insufficient Hydraulic Fluid

   - Symptom: Feeling of weakness when depressing the clutch pedal and the clutch cannot be fully disengaged. Cause: Insufficient hydraulic fluid, improper installation of the hydraulic system, resulting in hydraulic fluid leakage.

   - Cause: Insufficient hydraulic fluid, air in the hydraulic system, internal leakage from the slave cylinder or piston jamming.

3. Strange noise

   - Symptom: Strange noise when depressing or releasing the clutch pedal.

   - Cause: Damage to the piston, bearing or seal inside the slave cylinder, resulting in friction or impact between parts.

4. Abnormal pedal travel

   - Symptom: Clutch pedal stroke is too long or too short for smooth engagement or disengagement.

   - Cause: Worn piston of slave cylinder, improper adjustment or unstable pressure of hydraulic system.

5. Delayed Response

   - Symptom: Increased clutch response time and sluggish feeling when shifting gears.

   - Cause: Air in the oil circuit or impure fluid.

6. Assembly Problems

   - Symptom: Clutch does not fully disengage or engage. Cause: Incorrect assembly or poor positioning.

   - Cause: Wrong assembly or inaccurate positioning.

7. Cooling and Lubrication

   - Symptom: Slave cylinder is overheated, resulting in reduced performance.

   - Cause: Special location, not easy to get sufficient cooling and lubrication.

8. Design Defects

   - Symptom: Higher failure rate of slave cylinders of a particular batch or model.

   - CAUSE: The design does not give sufficient consideration to durability under all working conditions.

 II. Concentric Clutch Release Cylinder Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Methods

1. Check for oil leakage

   - Visual inspection: Observe whether there are oil traces around the clutch release cylinder.

   - Inspection of seals: Check for deterioration, damage or improper installation of seals.

   - Replacement of seals: Replace damaged seals and make sure they are installed correctly.

2. Check hydraulic pressure

   - Check hydraulic oil: Check whether the hydraulic oil is sufficient and replenish it when it is insufficient.

   - Exhaust air: Exhaust the air in the hydraulic system to ensure that the hydraulic system works properly.

   - Check the internal leakage: check whether there is leakage inside the slave cylinder, if there is leakage, replace the damaged parts.

3. Check the noise

   - Listen to the noise: listen carefully to the source of the noise to determine whether it comes from the slave cylinder.

   - Dismantle and check: Dismantle the slave cylinder and check whether the piston, bearing and seal are damaged.

   - Replace parts: Replace damaged parts and reassemble the slave cylinder.

4. Adjust the pedal stroke

   - Check the pedal stroke: Check whether the clutch pedal stroke meets the specified requirements.

   - Adjust piston position: If the pedal stroke is too long or too short, adjust the piston position of the slave cylinder or the hydraulic system pressure.

   - Ensure smoothness: The adjusted pedal travel should be smooth and accurate.

5. Check response delay

   - Check the oil circuit: Make sure there is no air in the oil circuit and the oil is pure.

   - Clean the oil circuit: clean the oil circuit and make sure the oil flows freely.

6. Check for assembly problems

   - Reassembly: Ensure that the slave cylinder is correctly installed and positioned accurately.

   - Check the positioning: check whether the connection between the slave cylinder and other parts is firm.

7. Cooling and lubrication

   - Check cooling: Make sure there is enough cooling space around the slave cylinder.

   - Regular lubrication: Check and replenish the lubricant regularly to ensure the slave cylinder works properly.

8. Design Defects

   - Consult the manufacturer: If a design defect is suspected, consult the vehicle manufacturer or an authorised service point to find out if there is a recall or improvement.

 III. Concentric Clutch Release Cylinder Preventive Measures

1. Regular Maintenance of Concentric Clutch Release Cylinder

   - Maintenance according to manual: Perform regular maintenance on the vehicle according to the vehicle manufacturer's maintenance manual.

   - Check for wear and tear: Check the wear and tear of the clutch release cylinder seals, piston and other parts, and replace damaged parts in a timely manner.

2. Use the Concentric Clutch Release Cylinder correctly.

   - Smooth operation: Take care to depress and release the clutch pedal smoothly when starting and shifting gears.

   - Avoid half linkage: Avoid driving in half linkage for a long time to reduce the wear and tear on the clutch.

3. Keep clean

   - Clean regularly: Clean the clutch slave cylinder and its surrounding parts regularly to prevent dust and impurities from entering the hydraulic system.

   - Use clean fluid: Use clean hydraulic fluid and change it regularly.

 IV. Cost Considerations

1. Concentric Clutch Release Cylinder Component Costs

   - Slave Cylinder: The price varies depending on the model and brand, usually between tens and hundreds of RMB.

   - Seals: the price is relatively low, but you may need to replace more than one part.

2. Labour cost

   - Professional Repair: As replacing the slave cylinder requires certain technical knowledge and special tools, the labour cost may be higher. It usually ranges from a few hundred to a thousand RMB, and the specific cost varies depending on the region and repair shop.

Summary

Concentric Circle Clutch Slave Cylinders can be involved in a wide range of failures and symptoms, including hydraulic system leaks, insufficient hydraulics, unusual noises, abnormal pedal travel, delayed response, assembly problems, cooling and lubrication problems, and design defects. By carefully diagnosing, troubleshooting, and taking preventative measures, you can ensure that your clutch slave cylinder is working properly, thereby improving the driving safety and reliability of your vehicle. For complex problems, it is recommended to consult a professional automotive service technician.