VW Transporter T5 7h0721261c clutch cylinder master clutch cylinder

#20

Genuine VW Transporter T5 T5.1 Clutch Slave Cylinder – 7H0721261C – 2003-2015

Genuine Volkswagen used clutch slave cylinder / hydraulic clutch operating cylinder, suitable for selected VW Transporter T5 and T5.1 models equipped with the corresponding manual gearbox and hydraulic clutch system.

The clutch slave cylinder forms part of the vehicle’s hydraulic clutch operating system, converting hydraulic pressure generated when the clutch pedal is pressed into mechanical movement used to disengage the clutch.

Part Number: 7H0721261C

VW OE Number: 7H0 721 261 C

Superseding OE Number: 7E0721261

Part Type: Clutch Slave Cylinder / Clutch Operating Cylinder

Application: Hydraulic Clutch System

Transmission: Manual Gearbox Applications

Manufacturer: Volkswagen / VAG

Condition: Used Genuine Volkswagen Part

COMPATIBILITY

Confirmed for selected:

Volkswagen Transporter T5 – 2003-2009

• Transporter Panel Van

• Caravelle

• Multivan

• California

• T26 / T28 / T30 / T32 depending on drivetrain specification

• Manual gearbox applications

• 1.9 TDI applications

• Other engines where the corresponding clutch/gearbox configuration is fitted

Volkswagen Transporter T5.1 – 2010-2015

• Facelift Transporter

• Caravelle

• Multivan

• California

• Manual gearbox applications

• Selected 2.0 TDI models

• Corresponding 5-speed manual transmission applications

VAG parts data identifies 7H0721261C as a Transporter T5 clutch slave cylinder used from 2003 through 2015. (Oemwolf)

CONFIRMED ENGINE APPLICATIONS

Cross-reference data for the 7H0721261 / 7E0721261 clutch slave-cylinder family confirms applications including:

1.9 TDI

• AXC – 85 PS

• AXB – 105 PS

• BRR – 84 PS

• BRS – 102 PS

2.0 TDI

• CAAA – 84 PS

• CAAB – 102 PS

• CAAD – 114 PS

Later applications using the corresponding slave-cylinder family include additional 2.0 TDI engine codes. (Gwent VW)

IMPORTANT: Engine code alone does not guarantee compatibility. The gearbox and clutch hydraulic configuration must also correspond.

5-SPEED MANUAL GEARBOX INFORMATION

Specialist VW fitment data identifies this clutch slave-cylinder family particularly with 5-speed manual gearbox applications on T5/T5.1 Transporters.

This includes common T5 engines such as:

AXB

AXC

BRR

BRS

and selected T5.1 engines including:

CAAA

CAAB

CAAD

If your Transporter has a different gearbox specification, the original OE number should be checked before ordering.

IMPORTANT – SLAVE CYLINDER, NOT MASTER CYLINDER

7H0721261C is identified by VAG as a CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER.

It should not be confused with the clutch master cylinder, which is fitted at the clutch pedal side of the hydraulic system.

The hydraulic clutch system works approximately as follows:

Clutch Pedal → Master Cylinder → Hydraulic Line → Slave Cylinder → Clutch Release Mechanism

The 7H0721261C is the slave / operating cylinder at the gearbox/clutch end of this system.

PART NUMBER / SUPERSESSION INFORMATION

Original VW references in this component family include:

7H0721261

7H0721261A

7H0721261B

7H0721261C

Later references include:

7E0721261

7E0721261A

7E0721261B

7E0721261C

VAG catalogue information specifically records:

7H0721261C → replaced / superseded by 7E0721261

with the supersession occurring around 2012, depending on market. (Oemwolf)

Aftermarket manufacturers also cross-reference the 7H and 7E numbers within the same slave-cylinder family. (Gwent VW)

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The clutch slave cylinder is a hydraulic actuator used to operate the clutch release mechanism.

When the driver presses the clutch pedal:

• The clutch master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure

• Hydraulic fluid travels through the clutch line

• Pressure reaches the slave cylinder

• The slave-cylinder piston moves

• This movement operates the clutch release mechanism

• The clutch disengages from the engine

• The driver can select or change gear

When the clutch pedal is released, hydraulic pressure reduces and the clutch mechanism returns to its engaged position.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Aftermarket technical data for replacements corresponding to 7H0721261C commonly specifies:

Piston / Bore Diameter: Approximately 19.0–19.05 mm

Mounting Bore Distance: Approximately 65.2 mm on corresponding versions

Replacement versions are manufactured in aluminium or aluminium/plastic depending on manufacturer and revision. (AUTODOC UK)

CLUTCH HYDRAULIC SYSTEM INFORMATION

The complete hydraulic clutch system includes:

• Clutch master cylinder

• Hydraulic fluid reservoir / brake-fluid supply

• Clutch hydraulic pipe / hose

• Clutch slave cylinder – 7H0721261C

• Clutch release mechanism

• Clutch pressure plate

• Clutch friction disc

• Flywheel / dual-mass flywheel depending on application

A fault elsewhere in the system can produce symptoms similar to a failed slave cylinder.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A FAULTY CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER

Replacement may be required due to:

• Clutch pedal becoming soft or spongy

• Clutch pedal remaining close to the floor

• Difficulty selecting gears

• Difficulty engaging first or reverse gear

• Clutch failing to disengage fully

• Hydraulic fluid leakage

• Loss of clutch hydraulic pressure

• Intermittent clutch operation

• Excessive pedal travel

• Internal slave-cylinder seal failure

• Visible leakage around the cylinder

• Air repeatedly entering the hydraulic system

IMPORTANT DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION

A poor clutch pedal does not automatically mean the slave cylinder has failed.

Before replacement, inspect:

• Clutch master cylinder

• Slave cylinder

• Hydraulic clutch line

• Hydraulic connections

• Fluid level

• Brake/clutch fluid condition

• System for air

• Clutch release mechanism

• Clutch pressure plate

• Clutch friction disc

• Dual-mass flywheel where fitted

If hydraulic fluid is disappearing, the complete clutch hydraulic system should be inspected carefully for leakage.

CLUTCH FLUID INFORMATION

The clutch hydraulic circuit uses brake fluid as its hydraulic medium on the relevant Transporter system.

After replacement, the hydraulic circuit must be correctly filled and bled to remove trapped air.

Air remaining in the system can cause:

• Soft clutch pedal

• Excessive pedal travel

• Incomplete clutch disengagement

• Difficulty selecting gears

INSTALLATION

Installation should be carried out using the correct Volkswagen repair procedure.

During installation:

• Inspect the hydraulic pipe and connector

• Inspect the clutch master cylinder

• Check the clutch release mechanism

• Ensure the replacement cylinder is mounted correctly

• Use appropriate new seals/fittings where specified

• Fill with the correct specification fluid

• Bleed the clutch hydraulic system correctly

• Check carefully for hydraulic leaks

• Confirm correct clutch pedal operation

• Test gear selection before road use

Professional installation is recommended.

PROGRAMMING / CODING

Programming Required: No

Coding Required: No

Diagnostic Adaptation Required: No

This is a mechanical/hydraulic clutch component.

IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY NOTE

Please match the original number:

7H0721261C

7H0 721 261 C

Also check:

• Engine code

• Manual gearbox type

• 5-speed / transmission configuration

• Hydraulic connection

• Mounting points

• Cylinder design

• Vehicle production date

• Existing OE number

• Listing photographs

Do not rely solely on “VW Transporter T5” or engine size when ordering.

Different gearbox and clutch configurations were fitted throughout T5/T5.1 production.

For the safest fitment, match 7H0721261C or a confirmed superseding/cross-reference number with the original cylinder.

CONDITION

Used Genuine Volkswagen / VAG Part.

Normal cosmetic marks, dirt and signs of previous installation may be present.

As this is a used hydraulic component, please inspect all listing photographs carefully for the exact condition, hydraulic connection, mounting points and identification numbers.

Ideal genuine VW replacement clutch slave / hydraulic operating cylinder for a compatible Volkswagen Transporter T5 or T5.1 manual.