Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Jimny-Cluth slave cylinder

1987 Suzuki Jimny clutch slave cylinder — is it used, and what to know

For the 1987 Suzuki Jimny (SJ413/Sierra era), a clutch slave cylinder isn’t fitted. Technical sources including the Suzuki SJ413/Sierra Factory Service Manual (Clutch — Cable Type, publication family 99500-83xxx), the Haynes Suzuki Samurai manual (1986–1995), and Australian Gregory’s/Max Ellery manuals all specify a mechanical, cable-operated clutch on these models. Suzuki’s period parts catalogues for SJ70/SJ80 variants list a clutch cable assembly and associated hardware, with no clutch master or slave cylinders shown.

Why no clutch slave cylinder on a ’87 Jimny? Suzuki engineered these lightweight 4x4s with a simple cable linkage from the pedal to the clutch fork. That choice keeps weight and cost down, makes trail-side fixes easier, and suits the straightforward drivetrain. Hydraulic systems (with a master and slave cylinder) arrived on later or different models, but not on the mid-’80s SJ413/Sierra.

• Simplicity and serviceability: a replaceable cable beats hydraulic bleeding in the bush.
• Cost and parts count: fewer seals, no fluid, no lines to damage off-road.
• Design intent: light pedal loads and compact packaging worked fine with a cable.

What should owners service instead of a cluth-slave-cylinder? Focus on the clutch cable and linkage. Check pedal free play and adjust at the clutch fork or cable end to the spec in the service manual. Inspect the cable for fraying, kinks, or melted sheathing near the exhaust, replace at the first sign of wear. Lubricate the cable (if not a sealed pattern), the pedal pivot, and the release arm pivot. Make sure the firewall grommet is intact to stop water and grit getting into the cable sheath. A heavy pedal, notchy engagement, or a sticking return often point to a tired cable or dry pivots rather than a hydraulic fault.

Thinking about conversions? Aftermarket hydraulic clutch kits exist, but they need pedal box mods, a master cylinder on the firewall, a slave bracket on the bellhousing, and proper line routing. For a stock 1987 Jimny that’s maintained well, the cable system remains reliable, light, and easy to live with across Australia and New Zealand conditions.

• Tip: Carry a spare clutch cable on remote trips, it’s cheap insurance and a quick roadside swap.

FAQs — 1987 Suzuki Jimny cluth-slave-cylinder

Does a 1987 Suzuki Jimny have a clutch slave cylinder?

No. The ’87 Jimny/SJ413 (also known as Sierra/Samurai in various markets) runs a cable-operated clutch. Factory and aftermarket service manuals describe the system as “cable type”, with no clutch master or slave cylinder in the setup.

My Jimny’s clutch pedal is heavy — is the slave cylinder failing?

There isn’t a slave cylinder to fail on a 1987 Jimny. A heavy or sticky pedal usually points to a dry or frayed clutch cable, a binding pedal pivot, or a worn clutch release arm pivot. Check free play, lubricate pivots, and replace the cable if it’s rough or stretched.

Can I convert my 1987 Jimny to a hydraulic clutch?

Yes, but it’s a custom job. You’ll need a suitable master cylinder on the firewall, a slave cylinder and bracket on the bellhousing, a pushrod setup for the clutch fork, and hard/soft lines. It can smooth pedal feel, but for most owners a fresh, well-adjusted cable is simpler and just as dependable.