Hello Forum,
My wife's 2012 Ford Ka (1.2 Zetec) has a squeaky clutch pedal which is slowly driving me and her mad.  Our local garage (not Ford) has suggested it's the clutch master cylinder and that it needs replacing (it's made of plastic).  They've also pointed out that it's difficult to just change the master cylinder without also changing the slave cylinder because the hose coupling between both corrodes making it almost impossible to separate and/or reseal.  

I was happy to do the work myself until finding out that the parts seem almost impossible to obtain at present and my local Ford dealer wants £400+ for both.  So I have a couple of questions before parting with that kind of cash.

1. Does the diagnosis seem right? Is it the clutch master cylinder? 
2. Do I really need to change both at the same time?
3. Anyone know of somewhere to obtain the parts for less (without resorting to eBay and running a good chance of the parts being duff).  I have an Autodoc account but haven't bought anything from them yet as I'm not sure they're any good (and the parts weren't in stock last time I checked)
4. Any work arounds?

Any help much appreciated,

DD

 

 

Ford dealers sell through ebay, often at better prices than in store.

Master cylinder - Genuine Ford Clutch Master Cylinder 1544174 | eBay

Slave cylinder - Genuine Ford KA MK2 1.2 Clutch Slave Cylinder 2008- 1547981 | eBay

 

The parts are identical to Fiat 500 so may also be cheaper at a Fiat dealer.  Don't think I'd risk buying non genuine parts for this particular fault.

 

The connector between the two parts is a poor design.  You are welcome to try opening it first - and if it opens without damage then only replace the master, and return the slave.  There are also some aftermarket repair kits available to remove that connector and replace it rather than having to replace the complete slave assembly.

 

If the clutch works fine but the pedal area squeaks, then you can try lubricating it with a little silicone spray or even just WD40 for short term.

This car is 100% Fiat 500, I suggest searching on some of the Fiat 500, Panda, Lancia/Chrysler Ypsilon Forums to see if anyone knows of a cheap fix, before you spend any money.

It could just be something Daft

One suggestion on a USA Fiat 500 forum is that the squeaking on their car was due to the actuating rod squeaking on the rubber boot as it enters the slave cylinder. You could test this with a smear of grease on the rod where it enters the boot - cheap fix if it works - good luck.