Ford Escape Clutch Slave Cylinder Bearing 5L8Z-7A508-AA

This is a concentric clutch slave cylinder with the release bearing built in, replacing Ford 5L8Z-7A508-AA. It is listed for 2005-2012 Ford Escape with a manual transmission. Have it on the bench before the transmission comes out so the car is not sitting on jack stands waiting for a part.

Signs the slave is done: the clutch pedal slowly sinks to the floor or feels soft, the master cylinder reservoir keeps dropping with no leak you can see under the vehicle, fluid drips from the bellhousing inspection area, gears grind going into first or reverse because the clutch will not fully release, or you hear a growl or squeal that changes when the pedal is pressed. A bearing that has worn through can also score the pressure plate fingers.

A concentric slave cylinder lives inside the bellhousing, so replacing it means pulling the transmission. That is also why most shops replace it any time the clutch is out: labor is already paid for, and a slave that starts leaking a month after a clutch job means doing the whole job twice. To install, clean the input shaft bearing retainer, slide the new unit over it, torque the mounting bolts evenly, and reconnect the hydraulic line with new O-rings. Once the transmission is back in, bleed the system until the pedal is firm and returns fully, then check that the clutch releases cleanly before the first drive. Use the brake fluid the master cylinder cap calls for.