What Is a Slave Cylinder for a 1995 GMC Sonoma Pickup?
In 1982, General Motors released two new, nearly identical compact pickup trucks: the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15. In 1992, GMC changed the ...
In 1982, General Motors released two new, nearly identical compact pickup trucks: the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15. In 1992, GMC changed the pickup's name from S-15 to Sonoma. The 1995 Sonoma -- one year removed from a complete redesign -- came standard with a five-speed manual transmission. A hydraulic-powered clutch transferred the engine's power to the transmission, and an important part of this hydraulic system was the slave cylinder.
Slave Cylinder Function
The 1995 Sonoma's clutch slave cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder powered by DOT 3 brake fluid. This cylinder pushes the clutch fork when you press the clutch pedal, disengaging the clutch from the flywheel.
Slave Cylinder Location
On the 1995 GMC Sonoma, the clutch slave cylinder attaches to the transmission. The slave cylinder bolts onto the left side of the transmission bell-housing.
Bench Bleeding the Slave Cylinder
The 1995 GMC Sonoma's slave cylinder requires bench bleeding any time you replace it. Bench bleeding the slave cylinder removes all of the air from the cylinder prior to installation. Failure to bleed the slave cylinder may result in poor clutch consistency and possible slave cylinder failure.
Bleeding the Clutch Hydraulics
After installing a new slave cylinder on a 1995 Sonoma, it is important to bleed the entire clutch hydraulic system. This removes the air that was introduced in the lines when you disconnected the slave cylinder.
