Oberon Product Review

Clutch Slave Cylinder write-up

The Oberon Clutch Slave cylinder boasts many qualities like others on the market but there are a few subtle differences that actually sets this performance part miles away from its aftermarket brethren. Of course there are the obvious features such as stainless steel fixings, made from billet series 6000 aluminium on precision CNC machinery, choice of colours and of course a more aesthetically pleasing design. But it’s the technical differences that make this a ‘must have’ item. The first detail is something you cannot see from any picture and that’s the dimension of the internal piston. Unlike the other 30mm pistons on offer it boasts a 29mm piston – the difference? A much more optimum stroke on the clutch lever that is instantly noticeable. The Oberon team apparently went through extensive testing on the different measurements and their engineers were unanimous in their final decision.

The other unseen feature is the fact that proper ‘U’ seals have been implemented instead of standard ‘O’ rings. The benefits of dedicated seals are the ‘push and wipe’ action when the clutch is in use. Normal ‘O’ rings can buckle under stress allowing fluid to get past which will invariably result in spongy response and a loss of fluid over time. Therefore more costly on the reservoir top ups and the breather hole now leaking fluid, making it much more likely to retain dirt. The seals used in this slave cylinder however are angled and specifically designed for the job. When the clutch is in use the seals push harder against the wall of the bore, increasing its effectiveness resulting in no loss of fluid on each stroke.

The last and quite possibly the most ingenious feature is the location of the breather hole. The original location of the breather hole is almost exposed to the front engine sprocket, where a great deal of dirt will build up rapidly. When the clutch is in use the breather hole sucks and blows whatever is in the air at the time... needless to say it’s only a matter of time before the hole is blocked resulting in a poorly operating clutch. With the breather hole now located away from this environment there is a significant reduction if not nullified chance of this critical hole of being choked from debris.

So that’s the technical lowdown but what does it all amount to? Once installed the operation of the clutch will be improved to the point you will be amazed on how different your ride is. The clutch will be able to disengage easier, making those city traffic jaunts a practical pleasure. For older clutches the days of finding neutral when the engine is hot will be a cinch. – And if all these facts still don’t compound that this is the best available, it’s topped off by being British designed, made and quality guaranteed. For what it is – it’s serious value for money.