Clutch Slave removed - anybody recognise this?

[AndyJW]

I have removed my clutch servo to check for any leaking gearbox oil and to change the gearbox seal. When I took the servo off I found some sort of brownish powdery residue (see pictures - hopefully attached). Also I can't see what any sort of seal that looks like the new one I have bought. maybe when I clean the area out it I will see it. There is no sign of any leakage of gearbox oil or of hydraulic fluid just the brown powdery stuff. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[Slipperyeel]

I'd hazard a guess is just crystallised clutch fluid that has weeped over the years and therefore I'd just clean it all out, double check the poiston for leaks and reassemble.

But somebody might be along to tell different...

 

[gog]

That browny residue is exactly what I just cleaned out of my brake master cylinder when repairing it yesterday, crystalised dot4 hydraulic fluid.

 

[AndyJW]

Surely there shouldn't be any crystallised brake fluid in there - doesn't this mean the servo has been weeping over a long period and needs changing before it gets worse?

 

[fatnfast]

Your right, there should be nothing in there oil/brake fluid wise.
The fact that it's dry could indicate that maybe the clutch slave cylinder (not servo) has been replaced in the past? I would have a good look at your cylinder to make sure it is not the culprit.

The seal is behind all the crusty crap, just give it a good clean up. If the seal is not leaking then there is no need to change it really. Was there a reason why you removed the slave cylinder or just pre-emptive maintenance?

 

[AndyJW]

Yes, it was pre-emptive maintenance. After reading posts about oil/fluid leakage causing clutch failure, and the consequential cost and effort involved in changing the clutch, I thought it was a good idea to have a look. Since the bike has just done just over 105,000 miles then I thought it was a good try to head off any likely problems before they get could get worse.
Anyway, I have decided to order and fit a new slave cylinder and a stainless hose. Since it doesn't seem to be that much extra work to change it while I've got the slave cylinder out, I may as well change the seal as well, however I can't seem to be able to get the pushrod out. Apparently it just pulls out, but how do you get hold of it without causing damage - I've tried carefully pulling it with a pair of pliers but they kept slipping off.

 

[fatnfast]

They do get a little sticky . A small piece of rubber fuel line can be pushed on to allow a better grip. Give it a real good wiggle whilst pulling and it will come out.

 

[AndyJW]

Have tried with a piece or rubber tube over the end of the pushrod, gripping as tight as I can with a pair of pliers, but cannot get the pushrod to budge. It can be "wiggled" but refuses to come out. ??????

 

[Magnon]

Have tried with a piece or rubber tube over the end of the pushrod, gripping as tight as I can with a pair of pliers, but cannot get the pushrod to budge. It can be "wiggled" but refuses to come out. ??????

Sounds like your dealing with a "Bellend" there

Sorry if foregoing is not helpful at this time

 

[Steptoe]

Have tried with a piece or rubber tube over the end of the pushrod, gripping as tight as I can with a pair of pliers, but cannot get the pushrod to budge. It can be "wiggled" but refuses to come out. ??????

Twist and pull..

 

[AndyJW]

Have tried wiggling it, twisting it - but still the bugger refuses to come out. The only thing I haven't done is to shake rattle and roll it. Maybe I just need a bigger tool, not something I admit to very often !

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Doesn't look to me as if there is anything wrong with that seal that would require it needing replacing.

If you are that worried about oil leakage in that area, then you can drill a small drain hole in the casing to allow any oil to run out and to give you a visual indication that there might be a problem. It's an option that some have chosen to do, but of course the hole can also let in dirt and water as well.



Edit

Different bike but shows the principle.

https://youtu.be/p4CgJ53QehY