2002 X clutch master and slave question

[xbassman]

My 02 X, V6, 5 spd, 4x2 with 120K bought used - have a question. Noticed the fluid in the clutch "master" cyl. was very dark in color. NOTE...the master and slave are NOT leaking. That being said, I removed the dark colored fluid in the master cyl. filler cup using a sponge, replaced with new....I have done this more than 6 times and the fluid "again" turns black after some miles of use. I did this fluid replace because my clutch pedal seems to release very close to the floor. If I were to guess the rubber parts in the master and slave are contaminating the new fluid I keep replacing. Just a guess. Any of you think I should bite the bullet and replace the master and slave? Any other suggestions? Dennis in Texas

 

[mac11]

Those systems typically get their fluid from the brake master cylinder reservoir. The only way to really get it flushed is to flush the whole brake system.

 

[Silver dude]

Eh no they don't. Clutch and brakes are separate systems. The black is deterioration of the internal seals. Over time the seals deteriorate and will cause the fluid to turn black. Its pretty normal mine has black fluid and 193k with original cylinders. I'd check master and slave for leaks. The master generally goes bad and leaks into the floor board. Take a flashlight and make sure the shaft isn't damp with fluid where it pokes out of the drivers footwell. The slave generally leaks out the front near the clutch fork in that rubber accordion boot. I'd bleed the system with fresh fluid. When you sponge fluid out you could of allowed air into the system. DOT fluid is very sensitive to water and if a drop of oil gets to the seals they will swell. So I'd be careful of using the sponge method again. I'd bleed the system the proper way and push all the dirty fluid from the hoses till it comes out clear without air bubbles. If the problem of it droping close to the floor continues to happen. You have two options. Rebleed and continue to use the system till one of the cylinders leaks bad enough that it becomes entirely obvious which cylinder is bad. Or replace or rebuild both cylinders. When it does go bad you lose the clutch pedal altogether and it stays stuck to floorboard. You can still drive the truck in a pinch without a clutch if you good to limp home.

 

[Prime]

Have you actually bled the entire system and done a full flush? Because old fluid gets brown and nasty after it ages. If you flush all the fluid and replace/bleed with new fluid in should be good. But cylinders are cheap. When in doubt, change em out.

As far as engagement point, sounds like you're right where you should be. As the clutch ages more and more the engagement point will move higher up the pedal.

 

[xbassman]

I am looking into replacement of clutch master and slave. I read that to remove the master on my 2002 X Gen.#1 I have to remove the windshield wiper motor....WHAT!!! Is that true?

 

[Silver dude]

No? Windshield wiper motor is on the right corner of the engine compartment. Clutch master cylinder is completly opposite in the left corner. I don't see how the two could effect each other being 3 foot apart.

 

[Muadeeb]

Clutch Master

Wiper Motor

Yep, nowhere near each other. Only reason they'd be that close is if you had a right hand drive vehicle, and I have no idea if that was even done. If you need to know where anything else is in the engine, check here http://www.xterranation.org/showthread.php?3417-Xterra-101-Engine-Bay-(pictorial)

 

[xbassman]

You guys are the best! A lot of misinformation out there, just have to find your way thru the weeds.