Team Camaro Tech banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

2002 Camaro - Clutch Master Cylinder

Jump to Latest
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
F

fraso

· Registered
Joined
·
109 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Last year, I got stuck in traffic and found that I was constantly using my clutch because of the slow speed. Eventually, I found that my clutch pedal would stay down and I would need to pull it back by hand.

Since then, the problem seems to have gotten a bit worse as I regularly need to manually pull back my clutch pedal. My guess is that a seal in the clutch master cylinder got damaged and I need to rebuild or replace my master cylinder.

The local GM dealer quoted me C$630 to replace it (~$380 for the part) and a local shop quoted about C$340 ($180 labour / $190 for parts & supplies) so I think I'll be fixing it myself. Rock Auto doesn't list any rebuild kits for a 2002 Camaro SS master cylinder so it looks like I'll need to replace it. Some questions:

  • Am I correct in my diagnosis?
  • What is a good brand to buy?
  • Any other advice?
 
#2 ·
The diaphragm of the pressure plate pushes back the throw-out bearing against its slave cylinder.
If you pull back on the pedal and have the same action every time you press on pedal to use the clutch, yes clutch MC at fault.
Look for fluid on pedal rod side of piston for any leakage.

Tip: if rebuilding present MC, put a stainless steel sleeve in the body preventing corrosion and seal deterioration.
They are custom made, a lot of calipers are being sleeved.
 
#3 ·
This is a common problem on 4th gen cars. Use an aftermarket setup from companies like Tick Performance.

Keeping fluid clean will help prevent this from happening again.
 
#4 ·
Good suggestion by Garth and I forgot about Tick Performance.
SIL put one on the '00 SS I gave him and he had to remove brake booster for install.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks for the prompt replies. I checked the pedal side of the MC but did not see any leakage. The MC does appear to be low on fluid though.

I believe you're referring to the Tick Performance Adjustable Clutch Master Cylinder Kit for 98-02 Camaro & Firebird LS1, which costs US$324.99. My car is stock and I'm not sure what I would gain from an adjustable MC.

I've emailed a local rebuild shop about re-sleeving my MC but, so far, have not gotten any reply.

One of the Rock Auto MCs has a TSB for a possible no release condition, which explains a hydraulic system bleed procedure. Is there a possibility that my MC is still good but has somehow gotten air-bound?
 
#6 ·
This is also a common problem and Corvettes what you can try is just get a turkey baster suck as much fluid as you can out of the reservoir refill it pump it repeat a few times and it's quite likely to resolve your issue
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#9 ·
The one I have from the Corvette Zf-6 speed has a bleeder. The way I learned from ZF doc(he specializes in these trannies) said hang the slave cylinder down and open the bleeder keep putting fluid in(the reservoir until) it runs clean then close the bleeder. Not sure yours is the same though. good luck.
 
#10 ·
the issue on the 2002 is that the bleeder is hard to reach as it does not extend outside of the bell housing. Major PIA and you have to remove the tranny to install a remote bleeder.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#11 ·
The fluid exchange method your referring to is called the 'Ranger Method'.

Frank - Spend some time over on the LS1Tech.com site, much more info over there. That site specializes on the model car your having issues with. A quick search on a stuck clutch pedal will return hundreds of posts.

Your lease expensive fix is to replace the slave cylinder with an OE model from the parts store. Keep the fluid clean and it will probably never happen again.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
It looks like I was mistaken about the low fluid level as I was looking at the cone-shaped gasket (I thought it was strainer) instead of the fluid.

After removing the gasket, it appears that I have enough fluid but that fluid is black. I don't think that flushing the fluid will fix my problem.

The Tick MC is a lot more expensive than I was expecting as a replacement. Are there any other good replacement master cylinders for stock vehicle?
 
#13 ·
The car is 15 years old and the fluid has probably never been changed flushing is easy with the turkey baster and if it solves the problem you just saved yourself a whole lot of money
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
About this Discussion
12 Replies
5 Participants
Last post:
Vega$69
Team Camaro Tech
posts
2.4M
members
90K
Since
1998
A forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Bench Racing Engine Body Shop Performance Brakes, Suspension & Steering