Replacement Clutch Pipework Support Bracket

I recently replaced the clutch slave cylinder and on doing so damaged the bracket that supports the clutch flexible pipe.

It happened whilst removing the bolts holding the slave cylinder the spanner touched an exposed terminal (circled in red) on the starter solenoid and bridged to the braid on the flexible pipe. The braid quickly glowed red and melted the rubber pipe it was protecting. After a few choice words!! ….. I now had to replace this (expensive) flexible pipe!

Unfortunately the flexible pipe union to the down pipe from the master cylinder was well corroded together being in such an exposed position ….. and by applying too much force onto the joint I bent and broke the bracket. Some more choice words!!

The replacement bracket obviously has to be firmly fixed to the chassis to support the pipework and welding in such a confined space with a lot of parts nearby (starter solenoid, electrical cables, O2 sensor and exhaust pipe) was out the question. I fashioned a bracket that wrapped around the chassis and riveted it into place with 3 x 6mm rivets into the chassis (see green arrows). This proved a very firm bracket to fit the new flexible pipe and connection in place.

I also added more insulation to the exposed electrical terminal and cable and painted the bracket and covered it in underseal to protect it from any more corrosion.

A job that didn’t quite go to plan!