Defective clutch slave cylinder

A hydraulic clutch linkage uses a master cylinder and a slave cylinder to disengage the clutch in a manual transmission. The clutch pedal actuates the master cylinder, which actuates the slave cylinder, which actuates the throw out bearing. If the slave cylinder is defective, it can fail to actuate the throw out bearing, or actuate it when the pedal is not pressed.

Table of Contents

• 1. Symptoms
  • 1.1 Engine Loses Power, but Sounds Like It's Accelerating
  • 1.2 Clutch Will Not Disengage

Symptoms

Engine Loses Power, but Sounds Like It's Accelerating

If the engine loses power, but sounds like it is accelerating or the RPMs are increasing, the slave cylinder may be disengaging the clutch. The crankshaft will be separated from the transmission, easing the forces on the crankshaft and allowing it to spin faster. The engine will have less work to to without the transmission slowing it down. This will make the engine sound faster while the engine power is reduced.

Clutch Will Not Disengage

If the clutch will not disengage, the slave cylinder may not be actuating the throw out bearing to separate the clutch disc from the flywheel.