348 Clutch

Out enjoying the sun in my 348 today and after a somewhat brisk drive found that i'd lost the clutch. Fluid is dripping from the transmission casing. Clutch slave cylinder? Never done one before - how difficult are they and should i replace the whole clutch? Any advice / diagrams would be appreciated

Yes sounds like slave cylinder seals. A little on the difficult side . I'm leaving in a few seconds with friends but I'll try to do a write up later. Call Algar first thing Monday to find out if the seals are still availible!!!

Hi JRV, Any help/photos's/diagrams would be much appreciated. Would you advise replacing the complete clutch at the same time as doing the slave cylinder as it was ok before the cylinder lost all it's fluid? Jason

If the clutch is of servicible thickness and is completely dry (of brake <n.e.> fluid) and the pressure plate(s) are fine, the just replace the clutch slave (or seals).

If you attempt to just replace the seals, examine the clutch slave bore very carefully, tiny little pits in the surface will allow the new seals to leak.

I should mention that the 98+ 355 slave cylinder (for the F1 tranny) with teflon seals has better (lower) friction than the older 355 or 348 slave cylinders.

To add to what Mitch says, I'm not sure the 348/Early 355 seals are still availible. That's why I suggested you check on that before we get the cart before the horse.

Took it apart last night. The slave cylinder / throw-out bearing has blown a massive split around it (not a seal but the actual alloy casing) - loosing all clutch fluid. Looks as though it needs that along with both clutch plates as they are worn also.

Ahhh, and older 2-plate 348 clutch. I suspect the vast majority of these have been converted to a quieter single plate version by now.

In any event, that slave is toast.

Have renewed clutch plates - ok. Have renewed the cylinder with an upgraded item. Refitted - bleed the clutch fluid - started engine and still cannot get any gears. I've double checked the clutch assembly and the slave is moving freely on the shaft. Good resistance on clutch pedal - but - no gears - help!

Ask JRV if it is safe to put your 348 into gear with the engine off, then to bump the starter (no clutch pedal) to turn the tranny just a bit.

On some cars you have to do that after clutch/tranny work (for the first time only) after a repair.