Clutch slave 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. For easier access, raise the vehicle and support it on supports (see "Lifting and supporting the vehicle on supports").

3. To access the gearbox housing, remove the engine crankcase guard (if it exists).

4. Place a container under the union nut securing the pipeline to the clutch slave cylinder. Unscrew the union nuts and disconnect the pipeline. Unscrew the nut securing the pipeline bracket to the slave cylinder (Fig. 4.4).



5. Unscrew the remaining mounting nuts and remove the slave cylinder from the gearbox studs.

Examination

6. 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

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

• a) Before installation, clean and lubricate the end of the slave cylinder push rod.
• b) Tighten the mounting nuts to the required torque.
• c) After installation is complete, add fluid to the reservoir and remove air from the hydraulic system of the clutch release mechanism (see paragraph 6).