Clutch Master Cylinder — Removal, Inspection and Installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Warning! Hydraulic fluid is poisonous. If the fluid comes into contact with your skin, rinse it off immediately with water. If the fluid gets into your eyes, seek medical attention immediately. Some types of fluid are flammable and ignite when in contact with hot objects. Observe fire safety precautions when working with the hydraulic system. In addition, hydraulic fluid can damage the paintwork of your vehicle and dissolve some plastics. If the fluid comes into contact with plastic or paint, rinse it off immediately with water. Finally, this fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air), therefore, do not use old fluid. When replacing or adding fluid, use only the recommended type of fluid and store it in a sealed container.

Removal

1. Remove the cap of the brake master cylinder reservoir and suck out the required amount of fluid using an old rubber bulb (the fluid level should be below the level of the pipe leading to the clutch master cylinder). Do not empty the reservoir completely, otherwise air will enter the brake system.

2. Prepare for fluid leakage and plug the opening of the hose with a plug to prevent dirt from entering the hydraulic system.

3. Inside the vehicle, unscrew the mounting screws and remove the lower side trim panel on the driver's side (see chapter 11).

4. Disconnect the wiring connector and remove the clutch pedal switch. To do this, press the pedal, pull out the red sleeve to its full length, squeeze the two spring clips and remove the switch from the bracket.



5. Squeeze the retainer on both sides and remove the master cylinder pusher pin from the clutch pedal (Fig. 5.5).



6. Remove the two bolts securing the master cylinder to the clutch pedal bracket (Fig. 5.6).



7. Using a small screwdriver, remove the retainer and pull the master cylinder off the pipe (Fig. 5.7). Remove the master cylinder and release the hose from the bulkhead.

Examination

8. Inspect the slave cylinder for signs of fluid leakage or other damage. Replace the cylinder if necessary. Spare parts for the slave cylinder are not supplied, so the slave cylinder is replaced as a single unit.

Installation

9. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following notes.

• a) Do not damage the master cylinder pipe during installation.
• c) After installation is complete, add fluid to the reservoir and remove air from the clutch release mechanism hydraulic system (see paragraph 6).

The original source of the article is on the website bmwman.ru