help with clutch pushrod

[dax]

I tracked down an oil leak to what looks like its coming from behind the clutch slave cylinder.  From my research on the DMF it sounds like its a common problem for the o rings on the pushrod to fail.  Don't have the bike in front of me but how hard is it to get out the pushrod? Does it just pull out?  Can I get replacement O rings at any ol' autoparts store?  (are they generic in other words).  Kinda feel a lil idiotic with the questions before I even get into it but I'm short on time.  I have to get the bike right for a mountain trip next weekend after my board exams.  Thanks in advance

[dax]

with further research it looks like when people change their pressure plates the pushrod comes out with it, and then they proceed to tap it out, Do I need to remove the pressure plate to get the pushrod out?

[Slide Panda]

Just FYI, when posting tech questions, it helps to note which flavor of Monster.

But now, for a generic answer.
It's easy to remove your push rod.  Take out the 3 bolts retaining your clutch slave and you'll see it right there.  Simply pull gently and it should slid out without much fuss.  You'll only need to pull a couple inches to expose the 2 o-rings in question.  But it's not a bad idea to have the rod all the way out.  With it out you can inspect it for signs that it's been spinning - which is a sign that your pressure plate bearing is on the way out, or already gone.

Hopefully it's just those o-rings... that's about a $1 fix.

[dax]

sorry bout the lack of model, thought it was in my sig, but apparently that was the OTHER site.  Its a 2001 S4

thats what I thought, but I went out and gave it a tug and it didn't really move.  Any reason it should take some force?  Also, if you've done this, do i need to get the O rings from a dealer or would any generic autoparts place carry something that would fit?

[Slide Panda]

Ah a dry clutch!  Ok, it's not at all uncommon for a minor maintenance point to go neglected.  That point is cleaning and lubing the end of the push rod on the pressure plate side, so it doesn't get stuck in that carrier cap.  I ended up replacing both the push rod and that cap since they became *one* at some point.

If the rod won't come out the slave side, you'll have to off your pressure plate and take it out that side. 

I got the rings at a Duc shop - really they were about $1 for a pair.  And if you do need a new push rod for some reason, push rods are about $25, but come with the o-rings already.