How to Change the Clutch Slave Cylinder in a 1998 Cavalier

The clutch slave cylinder allows you to change gears -- without it, you are not going anywhere. Taken in isolation, replacing the clutch slave cylinder is a simple task that any home mechanic can accomplish. However, accessing the slave cylinder itself requires removing the manual transaxle (transmission). This is not a simple task and requires a small arsenal of tools and time. Once the transaxle is removed, however, changing the clutch slave cylinder requires only a handful of simple steps.

Instructions

1

Consult a repair manual on removing the transaxle if you have not already accomplished this step. Put simply, you will need to remove the drive axles, unbolt the transaxle from the engine block, and disconnect the shifter rod and all electrical connections. Disconnect the hydraulic clutch line where it enters the transaxle bell housing. Remove the transaxle and clutch assembly from the car using a transmission jack.

2

Unbolt and remove the clutch and flywheel assembly.

3

Unbolt the slave cylinder from inside the bell housing. There are three bolts, two located on the outside of the bell housing, and one on the inside. The slave cylinder assembly will slide out from the inside of the bell housing.

4

Grease the inside of the clutch bearing. Slide the new slave cylinder assembly into place from inside the bell housing and fasten it in place with all three bolts.

5

Reinstall the clutch and flywheel assembly. Reinstall the transaxle, drive axles, and shifter linkage. Reattach the hydraulic line.

6

Bleed the hydraulic line. Slowly press and hold the clutch pedal, then loosen the bleeder screw on the actuator cylinder. Tighten the screw. Repeat several times, or until all the air is removed from the clutch lines. Check repeatedly to ensure there is hydraulic fluid in the clutch master cylinder.