Why Your Porsche May Need a Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement

Posted on | 24 Apr 2018 By Anita Gaal

Porsche vehicles are exceptionally well-made; this brand employs some of the best engineering and design models in the automotive industry. Known globally for their high levels of performance and power, Porsche cars might seem impervious to part failure. However, no matter what type of vehicle you drive, they all require maintenance and care to keep them in optimal condition—Porsches are no exception. In fact, if you own a European import, luxury vehicle, you might consider putting forth an even more considerable effort into auto servicing.

Stick shift vehicles, or manual transmission cars, can run into clutch issues over time. Your clutch is a critical component of the transmission system that over time can become worn or damaged with ongoing use. In your Porsche, when you notice signs or symptoms of clutch problems, it can be especially concerning; as you come to expect a higher level of performance in these luxury cars. One component that is known to fail in certain Porsche models is the clutch slave cylinder. If you’re not aware of what a clutch cylinder does for your Porsche, you’re not alone. Keep reading to learn more about why this part that could need replacement in your own Porsche.

What is a clutch cylinder and what does it do?

A clutch slave cylinder is part of a system that works in connection with other components in order to engage the clutch when shifting gears. Here’s how it works: the clutch master cylinder holds brake fluid that flows through a system of tubing to the clutch slave cylinder which helps to involve the clutch in ample movement to shift gears. Any system that involves fluid of any kind also has specific sealing components designed to contain the liquid. This is important to know, as it might contribute to the common symptoms of clutch slave cylinder failure.

Symptoms that indicate the need for slave cylinder replacement

Keeping an eye out for the common symptoms associated with slave cylinder failure is critical, as upon total failure it will render your Porsche undriveable. There are several common signs that your Porsche needs a slave cylinder replacement, and it’s usually not that simple. If the slave cylinder must be replaced, the master cylinder will likely also need replacement—as well as the other way around. Furthermore, depending on the type of Porsche you drive and the transmission involved, more labor might be required in order to replace these parts accurately.

Leaking brake fluid

Since the system contains brake fluid and requires intact seals in order to contain the fluid, if one of these seals begins to corrode or deteriorate, then it is quite common to notice brake fluid leaking. As the brake fluid leaves the system, the clutch is unable to perform normally.

Difficulty shifting gears

When the clutch system begins to fail, this causes the transmission to be unable to function properly. Since the clutch master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder work together to engage the clutch, if either one of these parts begins to fail it can cause noticeable differences in gear-shifting. This is concerning, as it’s only a matter of time before your Porsche is rendered undriveable.

Clutch pedal reaches the floor when you apply pressure

Again, failing seals are a common malfunction of this system. If the brake fluid cannot be released from the master cylinder into the slave cylinder due to a faulty internal seal, then the clutch will behave oddly. The clutch pedal should not reach all the way to the floor when shifting gears, and if it does, you should bring it to a professional for inspection right away.

How to maintain your clutch cylinders

When you bring your Porsche in for normal, ongoing maintenance, they typically check all of your car for ample, clean fluids—this includes brake fluid. If your Porsche is leaking any fluid, your automotive specialist will notice. Here at Euro Automotive, we have replaced numerous clutch master cylinders, and therefore clutch slave cylinders in Porsche vehicles from all over the areas of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX. This complex systems of seals, hoses, and moving parts requires ongoing assessment and maintenance in order to function properly at all times. In a Porsche especially, it’s critical to keep the transmission running well, otherwise its standards of performance are wasted. If you notice any of the previously mentioned symptoms of clutch slave cylinder failure, please call us to schedule an inspection.

* Porsche 718 Cayman image credit goes to: DarthArt.

Common Symptoms of Engine Failure You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on | 7 Apr 2018 By Anita Gaal

Our cars must remain reliable and consistent so that we can depend on them for daily travel. Unfortunately, there are many things that can go wrong with our car’s engines over time—especially if they’re not properly cared-for and maintained. Preventing engine failure is perhaps the number one reason why we perform maintenance tasks at all, but the costs associated with fixing engine failure aren’t pretty, so the alternative sounds pretty nice!

Engine failure comes with a laundry list of symptoms, often that build up over time. It’s important to be able to recognize these symptoms so that we can take the necessary measures to prevent the issue from worsening, or even to reverse any damages that might have previously been sustained. In this article, we’ll talk about the most common symptoms of engine failure that you absolutely shouldn’t ignore, as well as what steps you can take to remedy the issue and ensure your car’s reliability for the foreseeable future.

Decrease in Power

Depending on what kind of car you drive, you might not notice a huge shift in engine difference in power capability alone. In fact, you might just notice that in certain circumstances your car performs differently. For instance, if you travel up the same hill every day, but have recently noticed your car struggling to get up the same hill, it couldn’t hurt to bring it in for an inspection. Slight shifts in performance can indicate the beginnings of early engine failure that can worsen over time.

Changes in Fuel Efficiency

The rate at which your car burns fuel is a very telling symptom of how your engine is running. The projected fuel efficiency in most cars is simply an estimate based on average driving conditions and driving habits; however, it is also a guideline for what to expect out of your car. If you notice that your car’s fuel efficiency is significantly lower than projected, or it recently began requiring fill-ups more often, it’s a good idea to begin monitoring this activity more closely.

Rough Running, Stalling, or Misfiring

These are perhaps the most severe signs of engine failure, and might be indicators that your engine is in serious danger of being rendered irreparable. However, that’s not to say that they’re not reversible or fixable with skilled automotive repair. Rough running, stalling, or engine misfiring should be taken to an automotive specialize who has specific knowledge in working with your particular type of vehicle.

Concerning Smells

Noticing the smells that your car emits might be challenging depending on how severe an issue is, but never underestimate the power of the nose—after all, it “knows.” If you can detect the smell of fuel or a burning smell inside your cabin or coming from your exhaust, the next step is to follow up on the issue. Your engine could be running rich or running lean, or it could be leaking a fluid.

Concerning Noises

Besides performance-related symptoms and changes in power, concerning noises are one of the number one symptoms that drivers report to automotive shops. Engine failure doesn’t necessarily coincide with specific noises, as there are many different avenues for engine failure. The critical takeaway is to pay attention to any different sounds you notice while driving your car—they could indicate that there’s a problem with one or more of the systems.

Check-Engine Light Is On

The check-engine light can be extremely helpful for automotive professionals to properly diagnose your car’s performance problems. Engine failure issues are usually detected by your car’s computer, and then relayed to the driver via an alert symbol that illuminates in the dashboard. The computer code that is assigned to the specific issue can then be read by a professional auto technician with the right equipment and properly treated.

How We Can Help

The automotive specialists here at Euro Automotive service European import cars for residents of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX. It is our mission to provide dealership-alternative services at affordable rates to our community, as we believe that every driver deserves to save money while still keeping their cars in reliable condition. Engine failure is preventable. if you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned, concerning symptoms in your European import, please contact us right away to check it out.