Because our clutches are hydraulically actuated, it’s necessary to have a line (the FSM refers to this as the clutch pipe) connecting the clutch master cylinder, located near the firewall on the driver’s side, to the clutch release (slave) cylinder, located on the transmission housing. Because of the relative motion between engine/transmission and chassis, a section of the line must be made flexible to avoid breakage. Over time and with continuous use, it has been said that this OEM rubber line can undergo volumetric expansion causing the line to swell and expand leading to clutch pedal fade. This could result in loss of precision in regulating clutch operation with the pedal and in extreme cases, such as during rapid shifts, prevent the clutch from fully disengaging before the lever is moved. Additionally, over time rubber is said to deteriorate due to exposure to ozone and is subject to damage or failure from road debris.
To forestall these possible/potential problems, stainless steel clutch lines are available to replace the OEM product. These lines have an inner teflon core with an outer stainless steel braided wire covering. This construction makes them much more rigid than the rubber types and eliminates (or at least minimizes) the problem of volumetric expansion while still providing the necessary flexibility. Quite apart from the purported advantages of a more rigid line, the OEM part in my car is now ~ 8 years old and replacing it seems to be a wise preventive measure. I selected the Techna-Fit line (part # MACL-013) because it has a PVC covering over the stainless steel braid thus providing extra protection from abrasion and road debris. Zinc-plated steel fittings are permanently crimped on each end. Although I ordered the clear PVC covering, other colors (black, blue, red, smoke, and green) are also available. The Goodridge stainless steel clutch line also has a good reputation but it lacks the additional PVC covering. That was the deciding factor in my choice of the Techna-Fit.
http://techna-fit.com/clutch.html
The Techna-Fit listing for the 2001-2002 Protégé is in error and should read 2001-2003 (part # MACL-013). The line is also available for the 1999-2000 Protégé (part # MACL-012); 1993-1997 MX-6 (part # MACL-014); and the 1988-1989 323 (part # MACL-010) as well as some other Mazda models.
I purchased my clutch line from Horsepower Freaks, Inc. for US $25 + $9.10 S & H for a total of US $34.10. Shipping was prompt and trouble free.
http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com
Techna-Fit stainless steel brake lines are also available but that’s a subject for another thread.
In the next post I’ll cover the installation of the line.
Happy Motoring!
To forestall these possible/potential problems, stainless steel clutch lines are available to replace the OEM product. These lines have an inner teflon core with an outer stainless steel braided wire covering. This construction makes them much more rigid than the rubber types and eliminates (or at least minimizes) the problem of volumetric expansion while still providing the necessary flexibility. Quite apart from the purported advantages of a more rigid line, the OEM part in my car is now ~ 8 years old and replacing it seems to be a wise preventive measure. I selected the Techna-Fit line (part # MACL-013) because it has a PVC covering over the stainless steel braid thus providing extra protection from abrasion and road debris. Zinc-plated steel fittings are permanently crimped on each end. Although I ordered the clear PVC covering, other colors (black, blue, red, smoke, and green) are also available. The Goodridge stainless steel clutch line also has a good reputation but it lacks the additional PVC covering. That was the deciding factor in my choice of the Techna-Fit.
http://techna-fit.com/clutch.html
The Techna-Fit listing for the 2001-2002 Protégé is in error and should read 2001-2003 (part # MACL-013). The line is also available for the 1999-2000 Protégé (part # MACL-012); 1993-1997 MX-6 (part # MACL-014); and the 1988-1989 323 (part # MACL-010) as well as some other Mazda models.
I purchased my clutch line from Horsepower Freaks, Inc. for US $25 + $9.10 S & H for a total of US $34.10. Shipping was prompt and trouble free.
http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com
Techna-Fit stainless steel brake lines are also available but that’s a subject for another thread.
In the next post I’ll cover the installation of the line.
Happy Motoring!
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