Thomas,

Just did this same job on my own Vanagon and, as if
the job itself wasn't enough fun, took some photos
along the way and did a write-up.

www.vanthology.com/1Layout/Technical/Clutch1.html

Vanagon lore here on the List suggests that
replacement of the clutch master cylinder will soon be
followed by failure of the clutch slave cylinder, the
theory being that the original cylinders wear-out at
about the same rate�neither being stronger than the
other�so they continue to function together for quite
some time. But a new, strong master cylinder may
easily overpower the worn seals in a tired old slave
cylinder, blowing it out.

I don't know if it's true or simply superstition. Lots
of Listers here and elsewhere seem to experience what
Stan refers to as "synchronized failure". On a purely
speculative note, I suppose the opposite could be
equally true: a new slave could be too much for an old
master to handle, causing an imminent failure of the
master cylinder.

If you use the car as a daily driver, and are thus
more likely to break-down near home, replace the parts
as they fail. If, like me, you use the van primarily
for distant travel, pre-emptive replacement may
prevent a failure far from home. On your vacation.

Good luck!

Jeffrey Earl
1983 diesel Westfalia "Vanasazi"
www.vanthology.com

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