Parts for your 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer-Cluth slave cylinder

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer cluth-slave-cylinder

According to the Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ) Workshop Manual for 2008–2010, the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and mainstream databases such as Haynes and Mitchell1/ProDemand, 2009 Lancer models with the 5-speed manual gearbox use a hydraulic clutch system with a clutch master and a clutch release (clutch slave) cylinder. CVT-equipped cars and Ralliart models with the TC-SST dual-clutch transmission don’t have a clutch pedal and therefore don’t use a cluth-slave-cylinder. So, if it’s a manual 2009 Lancer, the cluth-slave-cylinder is relevant and fitted, if it’s CVT or TC-SST, it isn’t.

On a manual 2009 Lancer, the cluth-slave-cylinder (clutch slave cylinder) is a small hydraulic actuator mounted on the gearbox bellhousing. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the master cylinder sends brake fluid pressure down the line, the slave pushes the clutch fork, and the pressure plate releases the clutch. Simple, reliable, and easy to service.

Typical signs it’s on the way out include a soft or sinking clutch pedal, difficulty selecting gears (especially reverse or first), fluid weeping around the bellhousing or at the slave boot, and a low or dirty clutch fluid reservoir. Left alone, it can strand the car, so it’s worth sorting early.

As part of regular servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to flush the clutch hydraulics every 24 months or roughly 40,000 km using DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as per the service manual. Keep fluid off paintwork, and use a proper flare-nut spanner on the hydraulic line to avoid rounding the fittings. Bleeding can be done with a one-way bottle, gravity bleed, or a pressure bleeder, keep topping the reservoir so it never runs dry. If replacing the cluth-slave-cylinder, inspect the rubber hose and the clutch fork pivot while you’re under the bonnet—cheap parts that can save headaches later.

Replacement is usually straightforward: unbolt the old unit, crack the line, swap over, torque to spec, then bleed until the pedal feels consistent and free of air. If the bore is pitted or the boot is torn with fluid present, go new rather than rebuild. After bleeding, check for free play at the fork, confirm smooth engagement, and recheck the fluid level after a short drive.

• Fitted to: 2009 Lancer with 5-speed manual (hydraulic clutch)
• Not used on: 2009 Lancer CVT and Ralliart TC-SST

Popular questions

How can I tell if my 2009 Lancer actually has a cluth-slave-cylinder?

If the car has a clutch pedal and a 5-speed manual, it has one mounted on the gearbox. If it’s a CVT or a Ralliart with the TC-SST, there’s no clutch pedal and no cluth-slave-cylinder. A quick look under the bonnet near the firewall will also show a small clutch fluid reservoir on manual cars.

What fluid does the cluth-slave-cylinder use, and how often should it be changed?

It uses brake fluid—DOT 3 or DOT 4 as specified in the workshop manual. In local conditions, a 2-year or around 40,000 km interval is a safe bet. If the fluid looks dark or contaminated, change it sooner and bleed the system properly.

Should I rebuild or replace a worn cluth-slave-cylinder?

Rebuild kits exist, but if the bore is corroded or the unit is leaking badly, a new cylinder is usually inexpensive and more reliable. Always inspect the hose and bleed the system thoroughly after any work so the pedal feel is consistent and gear shifts are clean.