Broken clutch master cylinder spring

[redripper]

For a long time noticed about 1/4 inch free play in the lever. Clutch operated ok. Went to change fluid and re positioned reservoir level, removed fluid, replaced fluid and began to bleed. The lever now had 3/4 free play!!! Tried to bleed,no good. Disassembled master cylinder and found the return spring broken into 4 pieces.

All is good now.

I have not seen any tech. info on this happening and thought it may help someone.

[Tfrank59]

That's good info, thanks for posting.  I know sometimes problems occur when bleeding if parts inside the cylinder have to stroke much further than in normal service, which can lead to things like seal failure or springs breaking.

[bentwrench]

That sounds like old brake fluid got the best of that spring.I know it seems like overkill but I flush out all three master cyl.s every fall. any sitting around in winter is done in clean fluid with no water absorbed.

[Ricky-D]

I must just be lucky. The color of the fluid in all three reservoirs is light tan.

Never had the feeling that it needs to be changed. I might do it this summer.

***