Clutch Arm Cracked?
 

2000 base 5sp, 95,000 mi.



Removed the slave cylinder after finding a puddle of brake fluid under the car, dripping from the bell housing.

Inspecting the part I found that the plastic tabs the cap / seal retainer (original Sachs part, all plastic) are broken and allow the piston and seal retainer to slide out of the cylinder.

This can happen if the clutch arm is cracked allowing the piston to overextend and break the retaining tabs, it was hard to disengage the clutch a few days before.

I've seen pictures of this here and on other forums, I am reluctant to brake a new slave cyl. I bought. Two mechanics I spoke to did not confirm this, one said that the clutch on these cars lasts 30,000 mi.

What do the experts think about this?