Solo

The clutch on my 97 4Runner is not engaging properly. I just took it to the dealer where they said that the clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder and flexible holes have leaks causing no pressure to activate the clutch. The clutch pedal is lagging and even when pressed all the way in I can't get it into gear (not without using A LOT of my forearm strength. They're charging around $500 to replace/fix this problem. Is it better to replace the clutch altogether? Any thoughts?

rimpainter.com

The slave cyl is separate from the clutch. So, if your clutch is good, and your slave cyl is bad, then you only have one issue.

$500 for a slave cyl replacement is steep. I would price around.

Get ahold of TOR (Todd) here on the boards and ask him what his dealer would charge, parts and labor for a slave cyl replacement. Then compare to your area.

There is a small hydraulic caliper that pushes the clutch engagement fork. That is another possible leak spot. Again, the dealer is hosing you on cost.

The slave cyl is next to your master cyl under the hood, right side.

Solo

Thanks 96 Runner.

The dealer is replacing both the master and slave cyclinders. He is also replacing the flexible holes too. Maybe this is why the price is a bit high. They stated that the clutch is good and that this should fix the problem but I will double check with TOR as well.

Thanks a million.

Hans

rimpainter.com

Why are they replacing the master cyl too? To test the master cyl, get in the truck with it off, pump the brake about 10 times, then hold with steady pressure. If the brake pedal slowly goes to the floor, the master cyl is shot.

I dont see why they are replacing both the master and the slave for a clutch problem. Did they say why?

Solo

...they said it was leaking as well.

rimpainter.com

Do the test I mentioned above and tell me what you get.

Are the reservior's low?

rimpainter.com

Clutch problem: Slave Cyl

Brake problem: Master Cyl

Solo

Unfortunately, the truck is currently at the dealer awaiting the parts...

As far as the resevoirs, they stated that they were at the appropriate levels.

rimpainter.com

Ok, well looks like you are already at their mercy. Sorry to hear that.

Solo

I'll call them about the master cylinder. And I don't recall any apparent braking issues either.

As you can tell, I am quite the novice under the hood (one reason I really enjoy the forum...though I don't get to get on here as much as I'd like).

Team Wang

I had the slave cylinder replaced and that seemed to work but 3 months later I am having the same problem. Did the dealer fix you up?
I'm thinking I might need to have a come to Jesus speech with my mechanic.