Found out clutch issues while pedaling? Or even facing problems regarding shift gears can be a nightmare, don’t they?
If you think all-parts-replacement is the only solution, then you might be in the wrong direction. Here we will show you how parts such as clutch slave cylinders play a bigger role!
And, what are the biggest Ford Focus slave cylinder problems?
Finding your Ford Focus struggling with the shift gears is a major problem of slave cylinders. Along with that, having bad oil seals make car users suffer from clutch slave cylinder issues. Leaking oil directly hampers the hydraulic system. Also, you can not neglect the clutch pedal problem here.
But that’s not all! We remain more problems along with the solutions to spell out. By the end of this, you can dissect yourself if any clutch cylinder-based issues arise further.
Top 3 Ford Focus Slave Cylinder Problems With Solutions
Enough of scratching surfaces! It’s time to detect the real problems regarding your Ford’s slave cylinder.
By the end of this section, you can take the necessary actions on it! So, let’s jump into this!
Problem 1: Unable to Shift Gears
Usually, disengaging the clutch from the engine is the main duty of a slave cylinder. And, this action should be done while drivers press the clutch pedal. Along with that, the clutch slave cylinder usually shows an alert.
You will see this often while the cylinder gets worn out over time. This is the best time to get it replaced. In the meantime, finding the slave cylinder functioning improperly demonstrates a major problem.
As a result, this issue will force the driver to have different difficulties. Meanwhile, shifting gear complexity comes as the core issue here. It also results in creating unusual noise while forcing into gear.
Along with that, rust plays a secondary role in generating squeaky noise. This issue directly indicates the slave cylinder problem. Let’s find out the feasible solutions here.
Solution
If your Ford Focus carries a cable-oriented clutch, the adjustment can be easier. You will find an adjustment nut there.
It’s situated where the cable joins the clutch actuating lever at the engine’s endpoint. You might have to tighten the join so that the clutch play reduces.
If you have a hydraulic clutch on your Ford, then there are some dissimilarities in actions. For this, you require inspecting the slave cylinder first.
Along with that, don’t forget to check the brake fluid or clutch level in the reservoir. If this level shows a lower amount, then there might be a leak case.
In the meantime, you require nothing but to change the clutch fluid after every 24,000 miles. As a result, you must replace the slave cylinder too.
However, replacing both might be an expensive process. In the meantime, no other procedure except this can bring fruitful results.
Problem 2: Due to Bad Oil Seal
A bad seal might force the clutch slave cylinder to leak more fluid. As a result, you will see more loss of hydraulic pressure on the way.
In the meantime, severe clutch issues will grasp your Ford Focus. Along with that, the car’s clutch operation will be hindered.
Solution
Before moving to the solution, you need to check a few things earlier. First, make sure that the fluid amount exists at the full line in the cylinder reservoir.
Also, check if the fluid has lost its natural color or not. Finding it discolored might bring you more trouble. Now, it’s time to check the fluid leak areas all around the slave cylinder.
Meanwhile, you will find the cylinder mounted on the external surface of the manual transmission. It can be mounted inside the bell housing too. And, both situations might carry leaks.
When you discover any leak, it indicates the seal has been worn. Also, damages might take place to the hydraulic lines. Most users ignore checking the lines. But this issue plays a vital role in broken seals.
Also, check for the air traps. If air is trapped, it can directly harm the slave cylinder operation. For this trouble, a little bottle of sealer such as AT-205, etc., can bring the required fix.
Get this recommendation for the best sealer for your Ford Focus!
The seal might not be an issue indeed. But pulling off the transmission for replacement is somewhat a challenging procedure.
And, it takes a lot of time. However, sealers show magic here by pouring it into the transmission. First of all, pour it into a glass. Interestingly, you will find it just like water.
But actually, it’s made from polymer oil. And, luckily you can mix this with automatic transmission fluid.
Along with that, motor oil, power steering fluid, etc., also suit it. After mixing with the fluid of your Ford Focus, rejuvenation of oil seals will happen.
As the oil seals contain tinier springs squeezing inside the seal while worn. But getting in touch with the sealer will make the spring perfectly positioned.
Lastly, drive your Ford for a while. Usually, it might take 3 to 5 hours to visualize the seal getting better.
Problem 3: Clutch Pedal Touching Surface and Sticking Issue While Stepping
This problem is so common among clutch cylinder issues. Drivers will find stepping on the clutch pedal quite effortless while happening this.
Along with that, you can detect this issue by seeing the pedal closer to the surface. So, there will be less gap between them.
As a result, you will not get enough spring backup for driving. In the meantime, the clutch pedal will become quite spongy.
And in the long run, this issue might create a worse clutch cylinder overall. As a result, the clutch will not be disengaging anymore. And, guess what?
Yes, just like in the earlier case, there will be an enormous loss of hydraulic pressure. So, bleeding the system for air by replacing the whole cylinder is a must.
Solution
First of all, replacing all the parts is not just the right call! Most users understand nothing but decide to replace all.
However, solving this issue is just one DIY method away! Yes, you heard right. Other solutions of common clutch issues and causes follow DIY procedures too.
All you need is to take your finger and push this against the clutch. Finding it soft or even stuck to the ground? It reminds you that the clutch has some hydraulic system issues.
Now, check the fluid if it has lost any portion or not. Most cases show fluid losing some amounts externally or internally.
As replacing is expensive and a permanent risk to your Ford Focus, let’s see the alternatives:
First, focus on loosening the clutch master cylinder. Take out its bolts. And then, go to the other end inside the car.
Unbolt the inside of the clutch master cylinder. After that, take off the arm from the clutch paddle.
As a result, you will see the bolts are not connected to the pedal anymore. Now, here we go with the wrench and socket.
With these, you can take out the rest of the bolts comfortably. And that’s it! The older clutch master cylinder is detached from your Ford Focus.
Now, you should remove the slave cylinder too. First of all, unbolt the line at the front side of the car.
Then, remove the two bolts holding the cylinder to the engine. That’s all! It’s all your choice to get two new standard cylinders to replace.
From the next drive, you will not feel any clutch sticking issues anymore. Along with that, the gap between the pedal and surface will be proper.
FAQs
Do Clutch Master Cylinders Usually Fail Without Leaking?
Yes! Master cylinders can fail without even showing any leakage. In this internal bypass, the inner piston seals don’t carry the fluid. As a result, it starts to bypass the seal. And, no pushing is there towards the cylinder. So, this cylinder requires rebuilding or replacement for further usage.
What Will Happen When My Clutch Slave Cylinder Goes Out?
While the clutch slave cylinder leaves internal or external leaks, you will feel the pedal spongy. Meanwhile, the pedal will get sunk to the floor and all around. As a result, disentanglement of the clutch properly will not be found. In the meantime, the transmission will be safely locomoted.
How Long Does It Take To Replace My Slave Cylinder?
Replacing a slave cylinder might take more than 8 hours. However, depending on the complexity of the problem, time duration might vary. While occurring issues regarding a hydraulic leak, you will see progress faster. Also, you can hire experts for authoritative diagnostic cost and time measurement.
Final Words
Now you know many things about the Ford Focus slave cylinder problems.
We recommend not to go for replacing all parts so blindly. Rather, checking our article can help you do some steps by yourself. Also, hiring experts can be an ideal option. Let us know your thoughts!
Good luck!
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