When Should You Replace the Clutch Slave Cylinder in Your Porsche
by europewpadmin September 19, 2020To create the powerful performance you have come to love in your Porsche, various parts under the hood must work together simultaneously. In a manual transmission, there are certain components that wear down and need to be replaced faster than others, one being the clutch slave cylinder.
Before diving into how you can tell when this piece needs to be replaced, it is important to cover what exactly this part does. Should this part wear out on your Porsche, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible or risk damaging the clutch on your vehicle. Always trust a professional shop to fix this part and never attempt to replace it yourself.
What does the clutch slave cylinder do?
The clutch slave cylinder is the component that works with the clutch master cylinder to disengage the clutch whenever the pedal is pressed. This allows the transmission to shift properly and safely. Put simply, this part converts mechanical energy into something usable via the hydraulic cylinder system in the vehicle.
More specifically, when you place your foot down on the clutch, a plunge is depressed within the master cylinder that pushes hydraulic pressure to the slave cylinder. When this pressure goes through the slave cylinder, it puts pressure on a part known as the clutch release bearing, which allows the clutch to disengage.
When the clutch is disengaged, a driver can freely shift the vehicle. Therefore, it goes without saying that a faulty clutch slave cylinder would have drastic ramifications on your Porsche if not replaced at the proper time.
When does it need replacing?
Fortunately for vehicle owners, there are a few common warning signs to indicate that it is time to replace your clutch slave cylinder. Seeing any of these signs should be a strong indication that it is time to take your vehicle in for service. If you don’t, you may be jeopardizing the high-performance level you love in your Porsche.
Unresponsive Clutch
Perhaps the largest symptom of a fault clutch slave cylinder is an unresponsive clutch. This may take the form of pressing down on the clutch and being unable to shift gears or even shifting gears but nothing happening. This disconnect can occur between the clutch slave cylinder and the clutch release bearing.
Leaking Hydraulic Fluid
As mentioned, hydraulic pressure is what allows the clutch system to work. If there is a leak somewhere around the clutch slave cylinder, hydraulic fluid may escape and this can cause the entire system to be less effective. Check around the garage floor when you start the car to look for any leaking hydraulic fluid.
Abnormal Clutch Feel
It is often said that a faulty clutch slave cylinder may result in your clutch feeling spongy when you press down. This is absolutely not normal and may be indicative of a problem with the clutch slave cylinder. You know your Porsche best and should be able to notice any different feeling when pressing down on the clutch.
Odd Engine Noises
Naturally, if something is wrong with the clutch slave cylinder, then there may be a larger problem with the car’s shifting and transmission. Your engine may begin to make odd sounds as you try to shift and the faulty clutch slave cylinder either doesn’t allow for a shift or the shift is wrong.
European Auto Tech Can Help
Any problem with the clutch system on your Porsche is a serious problem that can negatively impact its 
high-performance. We understand this at European Auto Tech, and it is our priority to restore your car to its peak performance.
We have proudly served clients for years in the surrounding communities of Allen, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, Highland Park, McKinney, Park Cities, Richardson, Southlake, University Park, and Plano, TX.
Our doors are always open to new clients, and we hope you choose us to give your vehicle the best possible service. Feel free to give us a call and schedule an appointment today. Alternatively, come in and visit us to see for yourself why we are the best in the European auto repair business. We look forward to earning your trust.