Clutch problem!

[e21rana]

I hadn't started my car after a long time 2-3months and when I came to starting it I pressed the clutch it was feather light I pressed it couple of times and still was floppy and light. So I check the bottle and that was clean dry but weird thing there's no evidence of leakage on the floor of fluid? Could it be the cylinders or just air lock?

[Jeroen]

One of the cilinders will have given up after the winter cold. Easiest check is the one behind the pedal and otherwise remove the one on the gearbox. Usually that one leaks into the bell housing so that's why you won't see any leaks easily. The one behind the pedal can easily be overhauled, BMW have a complete kit for that one but hone and clean the cilinder before refitting. The one on the box should be replaced. Points of attention: bleed screw clogged at slave ; make sure to have enough brake fluid in the tank while bleeding. If the master behind the pedal has been leaking make sure to clean all the brake fluid, the mat might we wet and from there the floorpan will be damaged if you don't clean up.

[Wilmo]

Why should one replace the slave cylinder? I just overhauled mine.

I ordered my revision sets at the dealer. 15 Euro for the slave cylinder, 30 euro for the master cylinder.

[sunnybe320i]

Im buying a 320i with the same problems and i am also wondering what the easiest/fastest route to fixing this is. I'm new to the e21 world and i need help finding a replacement slave/master cylinder. Can someone help me out?

[Jeroen]

As described above, check which one's leaking. Master behind the pedal is cheapest to overhaul, slave on the gearbox is quite cheap so if that one's leaking I'd just replace it. Make sure the brake fluid tank is topped up before you start bleeding the system.