Clutch leak/Dark clutch fluid

geoduke · 04-04-2006, 04:17 PM

Recently while vacuuming my floor mats I noticed a lot of oily type stains around the push rod area near my clutch. I checked the master cylinder reservoir and sure enough it was pretty low. I’ve also had a spongy clutch for some time now. This weekend I’ll be bleeding my clutch for the first time (crosses fingers).

While filling the reservoir I noticed the clutch fluid was pretty dark, much darker than the fluid I was pouring in. So here’s my question, at some point I’m going to have to address the leak near the push rod, is there a common weak point in the system that tends to fail most often to cause leaks in the push rod area? I’ve heard master cylinders are pretty expensive so I would hate to replace one because of a worn out bushing or something. And also what could be causing the darkening of the clutch fluid; is it harmful? And lastly, what the heck is that floating disk in the master cylinder reservoir for??

AH64ID · 04-04-2006, 05:35 PM

I cant answer the question about the floating disk, as I have always wondered.

Black/dark fluid generally means your seals are worn, and about to leak, or in your case leak. Replacing the clutch master is easy and not too expensive, 50 bucks or less. I replace mine a few years back, I did the slave at the same time. Took 1.5 hours, and I think 70 bucks.

wrenchmonster · 04-04-2006, 07:51 PM

4x4nala is correct, black fluid indicates worn seals. It's essentially tiny rubber particles from the seal floating around. You need to replace the master, and doing the slave would be prudent since you're going to have to bleed the line anyway. You may be able to rebuild the master and slave with kits if they are available. It's a lot like rebuilding wheel cylinders from drum brakes if you've ever tackled that. You'll need a wheel cylinder hone, and a pair of snap ring pliers, that's about it for tools once you get the cylinders off. However, considering the time spent and cost of rebuild vs. rebuilt or new, and having a warranty, rebuilding is not cost effective in most cases.

I think the floating disk is a part of the low fluid level indicator.

04-04-2006, 04:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
geoduke Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 47	Clutch leak/Dark clutch fluid Recently while vacuuming my floor mats I noticed a lot of oily type stains around the push rod area near my clutch. I checked the master cylinder reservoir and sure enough it was pretty low. I’ve also had a spongy clutch for some time now. This weekend I’ll be bleeding my clutch for the first time (crosses fingers). While filling the reservoir I noticed the clutch fluid was pretty dark, much darker than the fluid I was pouring in. So here’s my question, at some point I’m going to have to address the leak near the push rod, is there a common weak point in the system that tends to fail most often to cause leaks in the push rod area? I’ve heard master cylinders are pretty expensive so I would hate to replace one because of a worn out bushing or something. And also what could be causing the darkening of the clutch fluid; is it harmful? And lastly, what the heck is that floating disk in the master cylinder reservoir for??

04-04-2006, 05:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
AH64ID Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,643	I cant answer the question about the floating disk, as I have always wondered. Black/dark fluid generally means your seals are worn, and about to leak, or in your case leak. Replacing the clutch master is easy and not too expensive, 50 bucks or less. I replace mine a few years back, I did the slave at the same time. Took 1.5 hours, and I think 70 bucks. __________________ -John '05 Dodge 3500 SRW 4x4 SLT 5.9 Cummins QC LB NV5600 6 Spd, Pricol EGT and boost, 2" Level, Jake Brake, Muffler Delete, filtered, lubed and bypassed by Amsoil, Mag-Hytec Rear, Fast Coolers, Baldwin 7977, Smarty JR SW#1, Toyo 285's... 2003 SR5 4Runner, V6 4WD. 1" cornfed lift Previous Toyota's '92 Red Truck NALA Speed doesn't kill, its the sudden stop that hurts.

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04-04-2006, 07:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
wrenchmonster Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 660	4x4nala is correct, black fluid indicates worn seals. It's essentially tiny rubber particles from the seal floating around. You need to replace the master, and doing the slave would be prudent since you're going to have to bleed the line anyway. You may be able to rebuild the master and slave with kits if they are available. It's a lot like rebuilding wheel cylinders from drum brakes if you've ever tackled that. You'll need a wheel cylinder hone, and a pair of snap ring pliers, that's about it for tools once you get the cylinders off. However, considering the time spent and cost of rebuild vs. rebuilt or new, and having a warranty, rebuilding is not cost effective in most cases. I think the floating disk is a part of the low fluid level indicator.