Clutch slave - replace or not?

[roggie]

So my 07 S4rs is in for the 7500 mile service right now and the tech said to think about replacing the stock clutch slave cylinder. I don't seem to have any issues but have read that they can be a problem.
Should I replace it because it's just one of those "matter of time" issues or should I be ok?

I have searched and haven't seen a definitive answer. Any suggestions would be great.

[Howie]

My OEM slave lasted about 40K.  Usually they fail gradually. 

[MotoPsycho]

Wasn't there something with the dry clutch bikes throwout bearing? At least I thought it was the dry clutch bikes. Throw out bearing would start to go, and it would cause the rod to spin, causing wear in the cup on the slave cylinder.

Mine lasted 16-18000 mile range but that was from a bad seal leaking fluid. Had I kept that area cleaner, it probably would have lasted longer.

[Howie]

Wasn't there something with the dry clutch bikes throwout bearing? At least I thought it was the dry clutch bikes. Throw out bearing would start to go, and it would cause the rod to spin, causing wear in the cup on the slave cylinder.

Mine lasted 16-18000 mile range but that was from a bad seal leaking fluid. Had I kept that area cleaner, it probably would have lasted longer.

Yes.  The push rod would drill a hole through the slave piston. 

[roggie]

So if I keep things clean and maintain the fluid I should be ok for another 8-10k?

[Howie]

No guarantees...maybe more maybe less.

[roggie]

No guarantees...maybe more maybe less.

Good point. So if I were to switch to an after market, i.e. Oberon, Evo etc, would I have a better chance of avoiding part failure?

[Duck-Stew]

Good point. So if I were to switch to an after market, i.e. Oberon, Evo etc, would I have a better chance of avoiding part failure?

They're not really built differently than the stock one....  The main reason people change them out (besides the 'bling' factor) is the availability of larger piston diameters which result in smoother clutch action and lighter lever pull.

Change out the bearing in the pressure plate, re-bleed the system periodically and every once in a while check the 2x O-rings on the push rod shaft...  And just ride the bike. 

[roggie]

Ok cool, thanks Duck Stew!

And everyone else for their input, this place is always the best!

[oldndumb]

As stated, most are similar since they all rely on Pascal's laws. What could be different would be the materials used, the number of seals, and manufacturing tolerances. What is different between the brands are the warranties, if that matters to someone.

[koko64]

Yeah, I think Yoyodyne and Oberon have good warranties. Matters to me.
BTW, my old M900 is on her original slave cylinder.

[Howie]

AFAIK, failure rates on Yoyodynes are extremely low.  Two seals and hard anodized bore.  http://www.yoyodyneti.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=D002   Again, you may have a lot of life left in the old one.

[ducpainter]

Yeah, I think Yoyodyne and Oberon have good warranties. Matters to me.
BTW, my old M900 is on her original slave cylinder.

Mine is too...but it's had many new seals.

[koko64]

Original seals too.
Im impressed that seal kit is available. I should buy a few. Luck cant hold out forever.

[ducpainter]

Original seals too.
Im impressed that seal kit is available. I should buy a few. Luck cant hold out forever.

I think the vet mentioned mine wouldn't take many more.

I'll most likely get the Yoyo when it's time. They've served well in this area.