Parts for your 2000 Nissan Primera-Cluth slave cylinder

2000 Nissan Primera clutch slave cylinder — what it is and when to sort it

Based on technical references, the 2000 Nissan Primera (P11/P11-144) with a manual gearbox uses a hydraulic clutch system with a clutch slave cylinder (Nissan calls it the “clutch release cylinder”). This is shown in the Nissan Factory Service Manual for P11 (Section CL – Clutch), the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue listing for the release cylinder and hose, and the Haynes Repair Manual for Nissan Primera 1990–2002 (Manual No. 3509), which covers bleeding and replacement of the slave cylinder. On automatic models, a clutch slave cylinder isn’t used, so it’s not relevant there.

On a manual 2000 Primera, the clutch slave cylinder sits on the gearbox bellhousing and pushes the release fork when the driver presses the pedal. It converts hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder into the mechanical movement that disengages the clutch. Over time, seals can wear, moisture can creep in, and the bore can pit, leading to leaks, a soft pedal, or trouble slotting gears when the engine’s running.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to keep the clutch hydraulics tidy. Fresh brake fluid (the clutch shares brake fluid spec) keeps corrosion at bay and pedal feel nice and consistent. Most techs in Aus and NZ will recommend DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid, bled every 2 years or around 40,000 km. If the pedal’s getting spongy or the bite point’s moving, a quick bleed often sharpens it right up.

• Common signs it’s time for attention: low or soft pedal, difficulty selecting first or reverse, fluid weeping at the bellhousing, or the reservoir dropping with no brake leaks.
• When replacing the slave, check the rubber hose and master cylinder as well, doing them together can save a second bleed later.
• Bench-prime the new cylinder where possible, use clean fluid only, and avoid getting any on paintwork.
• If fluid’s soaked the clutch, consider a clutch kit while the box is out – it’s a false economy to skip it.

Location-wise, it’s an easy spanner job for a competent DIYer: under the bonnet, down on the gearbox casing, with a single pushrod to the fork and a bleed nipple on the body. After fitting, bleed until the pedal feels consistent and the fluid runs clear and bubble-free.

Does a 2000 Nissan Primera have a clutch slave cylinder?

Yes, manual-transmission models do. Nissan refers to it as the clutch release cylinder in factory literature. Automatic versions don’t have one, so the part isn’t applicable to those cars.

Where is the slave cylinder on a 2000 Primera?

It’s mounted on the gearbox bellhousing, acting on the clutch release fork. Look down the front/side of the transaxle for a small cylinder with a hydraulic line and a bleed nipple.

What fluid does it use and how often should it be changed?

The clutch hydraulic system uses brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4, as per workshop guidance). Refresh it every 2 years or about 40,000 km, and bleed the system if the pedal feels spongy or the bite point drifts.