A slave cylinder is a dedicated secondary hydraulic unit that operates off the pressure generated by a master cylinder. The most common slave cylinder assembles are used in automotive applications that operate the clutch assembles in vehicles with manual transmissions. When the clutch peddle is depressed, it generates hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder, which transfers the pressure to the slave, which in turn operates the clutch in the transmission. Once removed from the vehicle, you can rebuild a slave cylinder with a rebuild kit, specific to your vehicle, obtained at most auto parts stores.
Place the new parts from the rebuild kit into the plastic cup and cover with brake fluid.
Orient the slave cylinder so that the bleeder valve is at the far end, away from you, and disassemble the cylinder by pulling off the end cap and retainer (closest to you). If the cap sticks, use the channel-lock pliers to gently twist it lose, while pulling towards you.
Remove the circlip, if so equipped, with the needle nose pliers. Tip the cylinder up and tap it lightly against a hard surface until the plunger comes out. Remove the spring. Wipe the inside of the cylinder with the cloth.
Buff any small scratches out of the inside cylinder walls with the steel wool and flush thoroughly with brake fluid to remove any residue left by the steel wool.
Remove the old rubber seal from the plunger. Clean the plunger and attach the new seal, with the wide end facing away from the end of the plunger. Insert the new spring from the rebuild kit, with the wide end facing away, onto the plunger.
Insert the spring and plunger, seal end first, into the cylinder. Attach the circlip, end cap and retainer.
