Ok, every clutch slave issue thread I post the same thing. I'll post it here for future reference.
You must bleed the clutch system out every 6 to 9 months. Period. Do it. My first MC and slave failed 1 year after 181 was on the road. I replaced both the MC and slave with the same parts it came with. I have bled it out every 6-9 months since and I have not had another issue since. 181 has 11k miles on it and is 4.5 years old.
The brake fluid gets cooked. When it's in that condition, it will eat the seals in the MC and slave. Jim, the symptoms you describe tell me the MC has failed to. Replace both the MC and slave. Use a good DOT 3 or 4 fluid and bleed often. You won't have another problem. A hydraulic throw bearing is not needed and a PITA to install or replace. I you don't maintain the fluid the hydraulic throw out bearing will fail too.
The proper bleeding procedure is in several of the many threads on the subject in this forum.
This is all my personal experience with BDR 181 that I have owned and serviced for 4.5 years myself. Those with no experience may have different opinions that you can choose to listen to if you like.
