Motorcycle Cluch Slave Cylinder: FULL REPAIR

Do you have am older Honda motorcycle that is equipped with a hydraulic clutch system? Are you starting to notice clutch issues like trouble getting in and out of gear? When you shift into gear, does the bike creep forward or lurch and stall? Maybe you noticed a spongy clutch lever and have gone as far as to flush the clutch fluid only to open the reservoir cap to a muddy, half empty clutch master cylinder.
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[@rogue3524]

Man You are awesome! Im stoped at part 18:00 in my garage, i just cracked the old one an realized, that new one needs to go from inside...trap. Your idea was like a blessing for my situation, THANK YOU!

[@VikingHeart91]

I’m bringing a 95’ Honda VFR750 back from the dead and this tutorial was very helpful.

[@701x35]

Cody, I watched your video on how to remove, clean and rebuild the clutch slave cylinder and then decided to rebuild mine on my 1997 GL 1500 SE. It took me about 5 hours and it looked just as bad if not worst than the one you demonstrated. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Thanks to you I had no surprises and knew what to look for. Keep up the good work. Jim

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Great Job James! This is very encouraging to hear! Glad I was able to shine a light on your job! Ride safe brother!

[@huxleylian8853]

instablaster...

[@glencoker5623]

Cody, You’re amazing!!! Huge thanks for this video. I followed it exactly three days ago and my ‘86 Magna shifts the best it ever has since I’ve owned it! Mine was even nastier inside than the one shown here. Thanks again!!!!

[@AlistairF]

The plier bleed trick worked wonders on my magna v45 after spending hours trying to get all the air out. Thanks so much!!

[@josephworrell4823]

I just traded a electric bicycle for a good running Honda 1983 V65 Manga. The clutch slave cylinder, I think was worse than the one in the video, although the clutch did work. Now the clutch slave cylinder is nice and clean rebuilt and fully functional. Cody thanks for the video most helpful !!!

[@aliasskipstevens4246]

Awesome! So many useful tips. I am just about to do my slave cylinder for the first time, and your video gives me total confidence and it will save me so much time! You Rock my man. Thank you

[@theseanerk.]

Thanks Cody. Very helpful video. I got a little aggressive cleaning the crud out and broke the gasket which is not included in the rebuild kit I ordered. Awaiting the replacement gasket then I'm hopeful no other issues. Looking forward to getting my 1985 Honda V65 Sabre back on the road. Thanks again and I would not have tried this repair without your video...

[@willatkinson953]

Kudos.....I have to join the ranks of the choir who opted to thank you, for both the completeness of content and thorough tips from start to finish. The video took all the mystery and fear out of this task and was easily transferred to my 1988 goldwing. Best regards.

[@michyalicea]

Thank you so much, I was able to get my 1990 GSXR 1100 running after having a crazy time trying to figure out why the clutch wouldnt engage 😊😊

[@waitaminute-vw9hf]

Ha, my bike has been sitting too long and when I grabbed the clutch nothing. I cleaned the slave cyl some time back but didn't have a rebuild kit. Now I gotta get one and do it right. Thanks for the vid. You have a new sub as a bonus lol.

[@leoveroude4492]

So well done! I appreciate the video and this is on my list for this spring. 1999 Honda ST1100 with a stiff clutch. Thank you!

[@RaceBreakRepeat]

Got in a bind being broken at work, fast forwarded to the important bits because I didn’t have time to dig out the FSM. Thanks for the vid.

[@brianmullner1268]

Just wanted to say thanks! This video was extremely helpful; I had the same problem and couldn't figure it out until I found this.

[@RyouConcord]

Damn, I'm trying this tomorrow. that was EXTREMELY well-explained, thank you so much! Subscribed!

[@GerwinKanselaar]

You absolute legend! Thank you SO much for this video! I've never done a hydraulic clutch and I wasn't sure if I was gonna be able to do this myself, but thanks to your video I got it done! My 1986 VT1100C didn't want to shift smooth anymore, I heard air bubbles in the master cylinder, it started riding as soon as I let off the clutch, just like you mentioned! I took it apart, cleaned and polished it, got new gaskets for the little piston, bleeded the vacuum line and boy does she shift/clutch smooth now!

[@justriders1]

Great video. Thanks for pointing out all the little details that “professional” mechanics always skip.

[@laurenadams1637]

I used this as reference and it was extremely helpful. I appreciate the video.

[@NeilCampbellRCM]

Ya Beauty!! (as we say in Scotland) Thank you so much for this video. I bought a Honda V65 Sabre unseen ( I know, I know) I already have a V65 Magna so I know they are pretty solid bikes. I was then going to ride it from England to Spain including through the centre of Paris. On the way I noticed the clutch was really spongy and I had to pump it about 5 times to change gear. In Paris I bled the system and it was pretty dirty and there was air too. I thought this would cure it but the symptoms reappeared making for a rather interesting road trip. When I got to Spain I found your video and followed the steps. Everything runs sweet now and I am just back from a run round some mountain twisties where the bike performed great. Thank you again for some great information. 10/10

[@dannywigfieldable]

Replaced parts on the master, and slave cylinder, clutch left me stranded at work one day, just had no pressure to function. Bike still wouldn't go into gear because the clutch wouldn't build pressure no matter how much I bled the line. Bled the line the way you did, my 94 Honda Shadow VT1100 was working in 5 minutes, slid into first gear like butter, clutch feels brand new. Thank you. 😂

[@VictorVegaMotoVlog]

Awesome Project! Thank you Cody really thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@Joeshmofoshoyo]

Wow! great video, and you are easy to understand and listen too. Thank you for your professionalism

[@lifeonabike8691]

Awesome video, youve been a huge help on the rebuild of my 1995 gpz 1100, thanks for all your work!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

LifeOnABike Awesome brother! Glad the tips and knowledge helped you! Ride safe!

[@williamchristie7365]

Awesome video. I really appreciate your work!

[@commandokent]

Omg, thank you for the samurai bleeding trick! That worked like a miracle!

[@timkis64]

i put new dot 4 in brake & clutch master cylinders & bleed every 2 years in hopes of preventing this on my 84 magna.it didnt work.i finally removed slave cyl to examine.holy hell, what a mess.mine was as bad as yours.cleaned everything up with 600 grit & brake cleaner, new seals, works perfect.so appearently the slave cyl had never been removed in 37 years.that taught me new brake fluid every 2 years is not enough to prevent problems.a physical cleaning is neccessary for long term reliability.lesson learned.now i know.thanks for showing others what i had to learn the hard way.

[@jackclarkbrand1520]

Thank you for this great instruction, motorcycle md. I was able to replace the seal and clean out a slave cylinder on my 2001 Concours.

[@NGSVALENCIA]

Another great video man!

[@randomslomo1875]

Dude you probably saved me so much time and frustration... This wasnt mentioned at all in the hydraulic brake system portion of my manual for this bike

[@povertybeachCM]

Thank You so much! Just acquired a mint 98 VFR. Everything but the juice in the clutch. Love to tinker and rebuild. Your video is informative and fun to watch. Zip Zip, lol. Really appreciate the sharing of knowledge for Free. Peace To All.

[@glennchabut6025]

Great video thank you brother I almost pulled my clutch apart thinking my clutch was shot so you saved me145 bucks and I ordered a rebuild kit for 15 bucks

[@scottwlliams5562]

Awesome video thank you so much for Sharing. I was working on my buddies bike with him and this will help us out greatly thank you

[@ianchames4646]

Enjoyed the video, and great tips along the way... well done! Subscribed...

[@eagleerb]

Cody great tips today, I am working on a 84 CB650SC and the clutch has been sluggish and loosing fluid,know I know where the check thanks . Watch all the time keep it up your the best.

[@nathanrobbins4774]

Thanks I was watching cause I wanted to see the inner workings of this slave cylinder to get some engineering ideas to retro this to a yamaha xs650 and I see what I can do now to make this work.

[@timkilbourn5685]

I was given an ‘ 85 Shadow vt700 and told that if I got it running I could have it. I took the slave cylinder off and at first I thought it was full of saw dust! That brake fluid corrosion is nasty stuff. Glad to see I was not the only one with the same type of corrosion.

[@rlara2k7]

great vid, thanks for sharing your expertise

[@marcox4358]

I'm rebuilding my Honda VT250F's slave cylinder, this video is really helpful!

[@Hairball222]

Hey man thanks I am subscribed now just picked up a 1983 honda shadow been sitting for years I'm gonna get it going picking up tomorrow and will Def need this for sure thanks man

[@RiggadonDan]

Thanks for a concise and easy to follow video. I plan to buy a 1984 Honda VF500 that will need such a fix. Seems very doable. Thanks!

[@andrew7569]

Thanks man. Just had the same problem on my 1990 honda shadow VT1100 and this saved me a lot of money. Good lookin!

[@dane1able]

Thank you sir i wish you did tutorials for more things. Im sure the owner is happy your so thorough

[@paulrubi353]

Good content, I half ass did a flush and clean without taking the slave cylinder apart, now I know I only did a half ass job on my Vulcan 88, it's a 1996 and that fluid was a mess. Thanks for the info, now I know it's all got to come apart and be cleaned property....thanks bud!...love your chanel....

[@daltonmclaughlin4309]

That heating method for the piston wall really helped me, mine had been caked over as much and jammed in there

[@michaelcielinski9532]

Thanks for the knowledge!

[@robertthune7933]

Great job! Very well done. Easy to follow.

[@denisobrien699]

Excellent video. Many thanks for your expertise !

[@sail4life]

Just did this on my ST1100A. As an added bonus I finally found out why the PO replaced the bleeder valve with a bolt. The threads were stripped. So I ended up bleeding it from the top by tapping the handle bars and jiggling the clutch lever. Took almost 1/2 an hour of me looking like an idiot, but it worked in the end! I ordered a replacement clutch slave housing immediately, for the next time I bleed that sucker. Oh and I'm really glad you addressed that engine casing seal! I was wondering if it didn't want replacing... Gonna leave it well enough alone now! Thanks man.

[@leotrevino6821]

Thanks Cody, Freaking awesome, I got my 89 shadow 1100 going thanks to u. I really appreciate ur expertise.

[@motnitsua29]

thanks for this, my clutch wasnt working and loosing clutch hydraulic fluid. I bought the parts and It took about an hour including the bleeding. About 1/2 the time was bleeding the cylinder. Remember to keep topping up the master cylinder or you will introduce air. learned the hard way tom

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+Mot Nitsua Very important indeed! Glad you got her going brother 🤙

[@mechanertainment4562]

You saved me close to $500 with this video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge...the Samurai trick worked beautifully

[@johnvanover6285]

Wow what a great informive video. I just bought a 83 v45 magna. Nothing has been done to my bike. I just ordered a rebuild kit off eBay. Wonderful job on the video. I just subcribed. Thank you

[@blueice999uk]

I like the trick using a pair of long nose pliers to create a one way valve on the hose to get the master cylinder started.

[@davidweyant2406]

Thank you very much for the bleeding tip. Saved me a lot of time

[@anthonys5124]

I love the detail you got yourself a subscriber

[@denisrailey777]

I changed fluid on my clutch master cyclinder which looked like it had never been changed since 2005 on my Blackbird. May do slave/ mastercyclinder seals next. Thanks great vid..

[@zanebrown8495]

I have a 1988 honda goldwing 1500 clutch bleeding slave cylinder needs cleaned and thank you for your video, I spent 3 hours no success, watch your video, now go to work on it.

[@craw405]

Great vid, rebuilding my master and slave this weekend when parts come in. They look a little different but Im positive this is the case of my intermittent lever problems and inability to bleed the system. Clutch lever would just never come back out.

[@usmcdude2]

This rocks cause it works, thanks for helping!

[@TheRealPervySage]

This video is a life saver. Thank you so much.

[@petecurran3995]

Great video fella! 👍🏻

[@rodthomas4707]

Very good instructions straight to the point quick video

[@plopping-wetlyacademyofmot9639]

SICK bike man! I love those 😍

[@gordonday8771]

Great video Cody. I have a 2000 Yamaha XJR1300SP with a hydraulic clutch system. The previous owner put very nice aftermarket master cylinder caps on the clutch and brake but left out the plastic caps. I've just found a parts retailer that has the OEM Yamaha cap set, so I'm ordering them to replace the pretty ones and return the master cylinders to standard. I also need to replace the slave cylinder as the piston is very corroded. The complete OEM unit is £120, so I think it's worth it. Better than renewing seals every year. I'm in the UK, by the way. Your videos are very informative and great to watch. Thank you, and keep up the good work 👍

[@markjuresich4570]

Great video! Very thorough! Thanks!

[@blinkerplease1936]

The clouds parted and the Angels sang!!! It is amazing how my happiness has returned with a firm clutch lever. The bleeding was problematic at first, but I used a gravity feed technique I saw for a Husqvarna and it seemed to get rid of a trapped bubble of air. I then used your hose clamp technique and it worked flawlessly! I thank you and my '84 Magna thanks you. I have had her for 32 years and didn't want to be angry with her. YOU ARE THE MAN b d

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+Blinker Please This is so encouraging to hear brother! So glad you were able to take and apply some tricks in the video!! Ride safe man! 🤙🤙

[@jamesphelps9573]

I'm getting this same bike tomorrow and can't wait to get her back to perfection

[@thomassudac2212]

That was so helpful .I love this channel

[@chadedwards4309]

Thank you so much.. im currently having this problem with a 97 yzf1000r.. i will be trying this before replacing the cylinder...

[@VMX1.]

What a beautiful motorcycle.....luv these old bikes. absolutely luv 'em.

[@malchalk6006]

Great video especially the tip on using the needle nose pliers as a one way valve. Sadly access to the Slave cylinder is not quite as easy to access on my ST1300 but hoping not going to have to remove it. I have no resistance on the clutch when the engine is hot (fine when its cold!) so just going to try replacing the fluid and bleeding it first and hope that doe sthe trick.

[@elchulo4238]

thaaaaannnkkk u i learn something different about da best way to blead da brake...with tha pliers holding tha brake line...make sense about da fluid going in and out...i was getting encojonao men im bleeding it and i was wasting more fluid them anything ,,,,im going to try that way....wish me luck...lol thank for sharing..

[@tillymaydw]

Outstanding video mate thanks..

[@marensmith9917]

Thanks for the video. It helped resolve the very issue I had.

[@murraykriner9425]

Glad you mentioned that inner seals trouble replacing. Most folks who get that far would undoubtedly yank the puppy out. Guessing the clutch master was still in working order (not leaking) since you didn't address its rebuild as well. One of the ill's most folks blow gaskets over is these slave's acting a fool. After a bike has so many thousands of mile's and thirty + years sitting around, its little wonder any of them work at all. Have a great day brother.

[@jrbass62]

They are still using it my 2014 Suzuki DL 1000, I change my fluid every year,, Thanks for the vid!!

[@RyouConcord]

Okay, I DID IT!! Thank you so much! The 86 Shadow vt1100 is a bit different. To get the cylinder out of the ... larger cylinder hole, I just used compressed air to push it out. For anyone else who does this, be careful and wear a respirator because it basically aerosolizes the brake fluid in it and sprays it EVERYWHERE, but it did get it out. I also had to sand it down with like 1000 grit on the sides because there was some nasty gunk stuck to the sides. it's still... not quite as springy as it is in this video, and after bleeding the clutch is still very stiff. But at least I replaced all the gaskets. (except for the one inside where the rod is, still don't know if there's even supposed to be one there, can't find any documentation on it)

[@swbedard8283]

Doing a great job there. Great videos and presented very well. Your carb videos were extremely helpful for us. We are getting a Yamaha FZ600 and an FJ1100 back on the road. Both from the mid 80s. Just goes to show that the information is soo helpful across all different makes. Maybe we can work on staying in frame at times?? Keep up the great work.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+SW Bedard Glad you found the videos helpful brother. Staying in frame is always a constant battle for since the POV style filming is my preference. Definitely a learning curve using a chest mount! Definitely a work in progress, thanks for your input. 🤙

[@karlwalker1771]

Sir, thank you for explaining to the layman the principals of the hydraulic clutch(piston activation same as the BRAKES LOL) Believe it or not a lot of people don`t realise the hydraulic clutch is based on the brake piston theory and bearly manage to oil the clutch cable on simple machines. I will of course strip down my bikes leaver actuation to see if all is smooth and in clean working order BUT my symptoms are as follows: I have a VTR 1000F FIRESTORM 28000 miles old and when I give it 2500-4000rpm on pull off the clutch is hesitant at best, I mean it slips then grabs then slips before lofting the front wheel skyward(I was a bike instructor and have passed every test thrown at us bikers since 1985) I am no amateur to a hydraulic clutch mechanism either as I have previously owned a VT250FD and a VF400FD but this VTRS clutch on this particular machine is indecisive at best and it has either warped plates/worn out clutch or is as some forums state a grabby clutch complex, I will of course strip down and see if it is a maintenance issue as it could well be? as I have only had the bike for a month or 2 but if you have any wisdom or have indeed ridden such a machine could you tell me how to fix this flaw as I love the machine but if it is a design fault it is a catastrophic error and one that I do not wish to ride such a truly potent machine without clutch control as this is second to throttle control and maketh or indeed breaketh THE machine:( Your reply or any knowledge however small about this bike would be very much appreciated and I do indeed recognise you are inundated with subscribers but from the bottom of my heart or any viewer could you help me with this problem ride. PS yes I am from Blighty OR dare I say it GREAT BRITAIN and don`t look so shocked as motorcyclists have no political agenda and if the world was ruled by us we would have a RACE at the weekend to see who is who and sell by Monday, enough said:) God bless you son and please keep up the video content as your videos are of true bike rider significance and appeal to the bike rider that not only wants to "ride but also wants to know what makes it tick"I was a mechanical engineer in the British Army for 10 yrs but I only achieved this posting through asking the questions in day to day situations of what does it do, how does it work! and most importantly what`s it operating parameters the rest is history as they say:)

[@loco0351]

Hey nice honda saber ! I own one of those. When i got it mine it had those problems that system was dry with crusty fluid.

[@Alex-eq7uh]

very good info, I'm about try and fix the same thing on my XJR 1200

[@arkansastrey9694]

Nice video , im in the middel of a 83 magna resto , my master cyl.is also shot , glad i watched

[@smsmith1961]

Hella straight forward! Thanks

[@heavenwalker358]

really appreciate your work man......i learn alot thanks

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Heaven Walker You are very welcome!

[@ydeardorff]

Thank you for his video mine was gross. All clean now

[@jorgelsanchez4388]

Very good video.I think I'm gonna b able to solve my problem with my 03 ktm 125 sx dirt bike.Same thing u say,hit the clutch n start rolling.

[@NorCalGuy]

Great video.

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

Thanx for all the info. My '94 Intruder clutch isn't disengaging, and just might need this remedy. At 3:52, you might want to use an impact screwdriver. When it's hit with a hammer, it transfers most of the energy to a turning torque.

[@MrSuperkumar1]

Enjoyed watching this..

[@Jim-cc3my]

Nice job

[@liorzummay2494]

Great video!!!

[@billmcpherson7016]

One more thing, Cody. Got an e-mail from a Valk rider in the area who does his own work on his bike. He offered any assistance he can give. I invited him to take a leisure ride through this beautiful Texas hill country and give me a hand. We'll see. Sure do appreciate you, Cody!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Bill McPherson Great! Sounds like a nice guy! Best of luck.

[@mariovillanueva8053]

THANKS FOR THE TIP DUDE.

[@rob37greenbike]

Customer just dropped one off. Thx for the advice. I shall use it wisely.

[@tippertv1788]

This guy is freaking awesome!

[@whatever-gg2qs]

Cody great job man. I love watching these videos with all of details bro. This is what is usually missing for the new garage mechanic such as my self. You give me a big confidence boost for being there when i need the help. What i was just thinking watching you show us all of the pieces for this procedure was that you should put together kits specific for the requests you get but with the mechanics mind you have and experience you can prvide the info we need better than trying to find the correct filter, o-ring ect. I think you could fill a niche that would help hundreds of people. Keep them vids coming cody thanks.

[@TexasEdition]

Good vid! Right at 18:00 you were talking about the other piece of the slave that attaches to the case.... That piece and the rod came out all together on mine. The seal practically disintegrated. It looks like there is an o-ring on the back of it and it's only held in place by friction.

[@RanGer-498]

Fantastic video..thanks

[@cabotbluegill]

Thank you so much for this vid rebuilding a 1984 manga 700

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

You are so very welcome!

[@MikeDHasSkills]

I have an '88 and '94

[@psychedelicbdsm7301]

how’d that Magna rebuild go 👀

[@percivaldesson3506]

I have 82 magna iv owned it seance 1985 and never had any problems with the slave but now it's leaking out of the slave and in joyed your video just need to order the kit and clean it up the bike still runs as it did when I got it I also have 83 v65 and never had issue yet and also have the last magna 03 witch has a cable thanks

[@enriquebencosme9329]

His brother big Bless and great teaching videos.I own a 1981 honda CM400T is my first project with a vintage motorcycle and I love it.but your videos are great I haven't seen any videos on how to adjust the clutch disk with the spring or how tide they will be need to be any help with it .I will appreciate.thanks a million