Clutch Master Cylinder Removal
 

Hi All! Need Help!
I'm trying to replace my clutch master cylinder on my 2004 Saturn Vue 2.2L - 5 Speed Manual Transmission. My ABS system is in the way! I can't remove it trough the firewall because that's in the way. I can unclip the connecting rod that goes to the clutch pedal, but even still it's a foot long. It needs to come straight out into the engine compartment.. Correct? Anyone have any suggestions?

I suspect that this is a big job on this vehicle. I however have never done this job on a VUE. This job is difficult on an L series of the same vintage due to the proximity of the abs unit.

Okay. This seems to be the case. There are 2 13mm nuts on both sides of this ABS and I loosened them hoping to move the ABS out of the way a little but it won't budge. It seems that there is something holding it down onto the bracket it sits into. I can't find ANYTHING on the web for this situation.. UNREAL! I can't even find how to remove or replace the ABS system on this Vue. Another GEM from GM!

Thank you for your post, BTW. You mentioned the L series. Did you happen to this similar job in the past on the said L series? If so, any tips on getting the ABS movable? Also, a person can't really move the ABS system that's right in the way, because of the hard brake lines. The movement, if any, is very minimal, but it might just be enough to get that connecting rod, or push rod out, and the new one in.

I have taken several L series cars completely apart. I run L series cars and have my grandchildren in them. It is possible that a Haynes or Chilton manual might help. However the factory service manual is the best. The factory manual is written for a professional mechanic and the others are for do it yourself at home. Have you looked at Saturnfans? I only look at the L series stuff there. They have a dedicated VUE section.
Sometimes you have to take the abs brake unit completely out of the car to work on clutch parts. Most modern cars are automatics.

I found this on saturnfans.com. It appears that you have to push it in towards the firewall and turn it counter-clockwise. Give that a try and get back to us. clutch master cylinder removal - SaturnFans.com Forums

Thank you for your discussion. I'll consider Saturnfans right away. Also, I'm familiar with Haynes manuals, and I think their not worth it in my opinion. Not comprehensive enough, whereas you mentioned the "Factory service manual", might be, I did not consider this, thanks. I once worked for O'reillys Auto Parts and the general consensus seemed to be the same from customers about Haynes. I was online last night looking for repair manuals or anything related to my issue here, and nothing worth anything! I can't believe this, because I grew up with Chiltons manuals, and they're useful to a certain degree.The problem I'm finding is that Saturns, even basic repair videos (YouTube) are very limited. Any idea on where I might get a factory service manual?

Okay, I did read this. I'll try that. BUT, then the question is, how does the new one go into place. Same thing in reverse?

Yes. I'd put a little WD-40 around the outside edge of it, make sure it's turned just a little bit to the counter clockwise position in order to line it up and push it in a little and turn it clockwise. Easy, peasy. And save your money and DON'T buy a Chiltons even if you find one. They're even more useless than the Haynes manuals. I've been pulling my own wrenches for over 50 years and have NEVER found Chiltons manuals useful for anything more than a weight to hold open the useless Haynes manual.

UPDATE! On the road and so far, so good. DID NOT NEED to move the ABS Pressure Control Module. Once the housing cleared the firewall there was plenty of wiggle room. Much better pedal pressure, and more smooth shifting into reverse, because that was getting to be bad. Slight, slight grinding shifting into 3rd, but then again I was 150 miles from home when this happened. To get my vehicle back home I had to shift it into 3rd or 4th and start it until it got going, then I could get it into 5th for most of the way home on I-94 which was 110 miles of the 147. It sat for 2 weeks until today. THANKS TO ALL HERE WHO RESPONDED!!