1299 Clutch slave cylinder

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Joined
Jan 25, 2025
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5
Location
Brisbane
Hello,
I have recently taken ownership of a 2016 Ducati 1299 Panigale. It came with Ducati Performance clutch and brake reservoirs (part number: 96180011A) installed.

The clutch fluid reservoir appears to have a hole deliberately engineered on it. When riding a very slow speeds, with partial-clutch engagement, this hole sprays clutch fluid, which has then damaged the instrument screen.

1. What is the purpose of this hole?
2. Why is it ejecting clutch fluid?
3. Has anyone else encountered a similar issue?

Any advice or tips would be most appreciated.
clutch-slave-cylinder-2.jpg


clutch-slave-cyilnder-1.jpg
 
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I have been able to find the clutch/brake reservoir as a genuine Ducati part 96180011A.

I forgot to add: after spraying clutch fluid, there is also a symptom of clutch fade. This requires shutting off the engine so as to select neutral, then pumping the clutch.

Any help determining the purpose of the small hole, and why it is ejecting clutch fluid would be most appreciated.
 
Since the reservoir only provides the master cylinder with fluid through the provided tubing, I can only surmise that it is a vent hole of some sort. Apparently you are getting some sort of clutch fluid push back into the reservoir while pulling the lever, and it's causing a 1-way effect when the lever is let go, causing the master cylinder to cavitate. Have you tried using the clutch with the cap off the black reservoir?

Any hole should, imho, be in the cap to allow air to enter the top of the reservoir above the expansion bellows on top of the fluid. That this one is on the side is just weird. Does the Brake reservoir have the same 'feature'? It's hard to tell but is the hole threaded? Or is there a check ball in it? It's very pretty and glitzy, but if a replacement is available, I'd just do that. No sense breaking your sanity with an item like this.
 
That is not a hole, it’s a tightening screw for reservoir bracket… you may be seeing some leakage because someone may have over tightened the screw to the point of puncturing the reservoir. Recommend using correct size Allen wrench to remove screw from bracket and inspect reservoir tank for damage. FYI, brake reservoir works the same so you may want to inspect that one also since the idiot who messed up the clutch probably over tightened the brake one also.
 
So.. put a screw in it? Or just replace the reservoir? I'd try the screw, probably an allen driven headless set screw with Loctite on it for a sealer, if you want to keep the reservoir. Other than that I'd just replace it now that we know it's 'screwed up' (I kill myself sometimes...)
 
I have the fairings off and I can see it better. I am suspecting the leak is from the hose connection to the reservoir. I cannot reproduce the issue in the garage, which is frustrating. It sprays a fine mist of clutch fluid when it is hot and partially-engaged clutch.
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PXL_20250126_132019668.jpg
 
if it's spraying' during clutch depression it sounds like the master cylinder piston is leaking during compression, with pressure already built up inside, and back-filling the hose at higher velocity than normal . I replaced my reservoir hoses with silicone tubing because they aren't under pressure. No leaks or problems from them in 2 years. You need to verify the exact point of the leak before going further.
 
wrap a single paper towel snug around the area, take bike for a ride and when you suspect the spray has occurred stop and check the spray location on the paper towel
 
I have plans for exactly that, thanks! White fluffy socks actually :)
You need something that pinpoints the leak rather than just absorbing it. White paper or light cardboard is the best bet. Remember, when moving there is an air blast coming up through the front suspension area that can mist liquids at high enough speed and blow things all over the place making localization of a leak problematic. Get pinpoint accuracy if possible.
 
One constantly recurring theme on this forum is someone takes a stock bike, mods it, has a problem attributed to the mod, and is perplexed on how to fix it.

The silver grub screw merely looks like it’s to fill the hole which is likely necessary to access the back of the window during manufacturing.

There seems to be some vagueness is knowing where the leak is coming from, but I’d start at throwing the farkle nonsense away.

https://www.wrs.it/en/adjustments-e...ng-kit-brake-fluid-tank-45cc-light-smoke.html

https://www.wrs.it/en/adjustments-e...g-kit-clutch-fluid-tank-15cc-light-smoke.html

Since it only leaks when the bike is hot, the possibility that it’s overfilled and there is no room for any fluid expansion. I put those kinds of things in the same column as anodized aluminum bolts. Not needed and only likely to cause problems.
 
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