S4 / RS4 (B5 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the B5 Audi S4 & RS4 produced from 1998-2002

Does this sound like the master cyclinder is going bad?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-22-2006, 04:31 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
I AM 2ks4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Does this sound like the master cyclinder is going bad?

Just turned 86,200 miles and I've been having a difficult time shifting gears. There is no grinding so I know it isn't the syncros. When I shift when the car is standing still, it is very difficult. When rolling, there is no problem. Reverse is almost impossible to engage. I have adjusted the shifter numerous times and after about 3-4 gear shifts, the problem returns. I have found if I pump the clutch 4-5 times quickly, I am able to shift into reverse or first without as much trouble. Is this the sign of a master clutch cyclinder going bad? Is there anything else I should look at or replace while I have the car apart?
TIA
Old 01-22-2006, 04:37 PM
  #2  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Mike2kS4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Slave cylinder man, Slave cylinder.

Not an easy part to replace. I never pulled one without the engine/tranny on a hoist.
I'd suggest replacing your clutch while you're at it: RS4 clutches are tasty for K03 or mild K04 cars.
Old 01-22-2006, 04:40 PM
  #3  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Johnny Bravo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,382
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Bleed the system first.

One way to test is to have all four wheels off the ground. Engine idling, clutch depressed and wheels not turining.

while having the clutch depressed, if the wheels start turning after 45 seconds or so, it would signify that the system is loosing pressure and the slave cylinder is retracting.

I dont think the pilot bearing friction alone will start the wheels turining.

You could have a leake in the slave or master.
But try bleeding the system first.
Old 01-22-2006, 04:44 PM
  #4  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Johnny Bravo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,382
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default slave cylinder is very do-able with all the parts in place.

disconect the axle, and its slash sheild.

your working blind, behind the downpipe, but with some eyes in the engine bay, and hands through the wheel wel, you can try .
Old 01-22-2006, 04:46 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
I AM 2ks4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default When I'm at a stop light with the car in gear and clutch engaged, it will roll forward slightly. I

have to have it out of gear or my foot on the brake.
I've got a Spec clutch with about 25K on it...

Stupid question, but how would I know it was the slave instead of the master?
Old 01-22-2006, 04:47 PM
  #6  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Mike2kS4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Never tried...

I'd probably pull the tranny because that thing is a bitch and a half to get back in.
Old 01-22-2006, 04:49 PM
  #7  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Mike2kS4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default But why would there be air in it?

It's not heated like a caliper. Seems like there's something wrong.
Old 01-22-2006, 04:50 PM
  #8  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Mike2kS4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default D'oh! Now the truth comes out: Sounds like the typical SPEC SAC fraggage.

Sorry.
Old 01-22-2006, 04:53 PM
  #9  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
I AM 2ks4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Yeah, I know I know. But I've been having no problems up until now... <ducks> I just want to

have the parts ready if it is the slave.
Old 01-22-2006, 04:55 PM
  #10  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Mike2kS4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,088
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I doubt the slave is the problem. But it's relatively cheap if you're paying for labor.


Quick Reply: Does this sound like the master cyclinder is going bad?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:28 PM.