How to Replace the Clutch Slave Cylinder on My 1990 Miata

Replacing the clutch slave cylinder on a 1990 Miata is a simple, straight-forward process suitable for a do-it-yourself motivated individual. The Miata is no stranger to slave cylinder failures. Clutch engagement is done hydraulically on a Miata through the use of a clutch master cylinder with reservoir and a slave cylinder. This is designed to make disengagement and engagement require much less effort.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the passenger-side front wheel, using a lug wrench. Raise the passenger side of the Miata and place a jack stand under the sub-frame, just behind the wheel. Continue removing the lug nuts and the wheel. Remove the inner splash shield, using a socket.

2

Open the hood and siphon as much brake fluid from the clutch master cylinder reservoir as possible. Locate the slave cylinder; it is easy to see just to the rear of the shock when looking through the wheel well. Remove the hydraulic line fitting, using a 10 mm wrench. Remove the two 12 mm bolts that secure it to the transmission. Remove the slave cylinder from the car.

3

Install the new slave cylinder by threading the hydraulic line onto the cylinder first. Do not tighten the fitting yet. Install the slave cylinder onto the transmission and make sure the rod is in the hollow of the clutch return arm. Tighten the two bolts to the point so that they are snug.

4

Tighten the hydraulic line fitting with a wrench. Loosen the 8 mm bleeder screw with a wrench. Pour about 3 ounces of brake fluid in the bottle. Place the vacuum line on the bleeder screw and the other end in the bottle of brake fluid. Make sure the line is submerged in the fluid in the bottle.

5

Fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir with brake fluid. Pump the clutch pedal slowly 10 times. Close the bleeder screw and remove the vacuum hose. Install the inner splash shield. Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to 90 foot-pounds of torque. Lower the car to the ground. Fill the clutch master cylinder to the proper level and replace the cap.