Motorcycle Clutch Slave Cylinders for KTM
When you press the clutch, your KTMs clutch slave cylinder pairs with the master cylinder to disengage the clutch to safely shift into the next gear. The master cylinder changes pressure applied on the brake to hydraulic pressure by feeding brake fluid into the brake system. It triggers the clutch slave cylinder to extend a rod that pushes a lever that disengages the clutch.
Where is the KTM slave cylinder located?The clutch slave cylinder can only be found in manual transmissions, as it is part of the system that allows the motorcycle to shift gears. Usually, the slave cylinder on a KTM is fastened with three screws just on the outside of the engine, with a hose line leading to it.
What are signs of a bad slave cylinder?Issues with both the slave and master cylinders affect the overall ability for your KTM to function. If they are not working properly, you could damage your transmission or your motorcycle may not function at all. Symptoms of a bad slave cylinder are very similar to signs that your master cylinder is malfunctioning. Make sure to check all components if the following symptoms occur:
- The clutch will not depress in the same way. It may just feel completely soft and loose, or it may not work at all.
- Your KTM has low or contaminated brake fluid due to leaks in the system. Usually, the rubber seals on the cylinder are the culprit here.
- You notice leaking fluid on the floor or engine bay.
A clutch slave cylinder rebuild kit allows you to replace this component of your KTM without having to replace the whole clutch. Here is what you can expect to find in the rebuild kits:
- O-ring and snap ring
- Piston
- New ball
- Spring
- Seal
To repair your slave cylinder with a rebuild kit, you will need to perform the following steps:
- Dissemble your KTMs slave cylinder without removing the hose by removing the three screws that attach the guard to the engine and removing the snap ring that holds the components of the slave cylinder into place. Be careful not to let pieces fall and get lost.
- After all parts are removed, drain the remaining fluid out and wipe the equipment clean.
- Piece back together all parts, replacing the new parts as applicable. Place the new seal in the piston backward to keep fluid on the inside of the line.
- After placing new components, insert the new snap ring to hold them in place.
- Reattach the guard to your KTMs engine.