Seal swelling or stop leak for leaky hydraulic clutch cylinder?

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

As mentioned in an unrelated thread, the clutch cylinder is leaking on my 2000 S10 4.3L. This is one of those things that can be managed by carrying a bottle of brake fluid and topping off when needed.

I am debating about keeping this truck long term so wasn’t wanting to spend $1000 to have the entire clutch replaced. Unfortunately the cylinder is in the bell housing so the engine and transmission have to come apart and at that time you just replace the entire clutch set.

This seems to be more of a problem in cooler temps. Is there any kind of product that could slow down or stop this for a bit? I know it would be a band-aid but figure it might help in the short term while I decide if I want to keep the truck.

2

You cant use a stop-leak product on a hydraulic system. Too much pressure produced.

The leaking hydraulic component will require rebuild /replacement.

Tester

1 Like
3

Well, you don’t HAVE to. Are you doing the work yourself? If so, then there’s nothing stopping you from removing the trans and inspecting the clutch disc. If there’s plenty of meat left on the clutch plate and the pressure plate/flywheel don’t show much wear, you can just replace the hydraulic cylinder and put it back together. Money-wise you would only be out the cost of the cylinder and some fluids.

Of course a retail shop that is expected to provide a warranty on the job wouldn’t do this…