Clutch Hydraulic System: Service and Repair

Hydraulic Clutch Bleeding




1. Clean any dirt from around the clutch fluid reservoir cap (1).
Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning (Brake Fluid Irritant Warning).


Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution (Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution).

Caution: DO NOT use fluid which has been bled from a hydraulic clutch system, in order to fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir, due to the possibility that the fluid may be aerated, have too much moisture content, or be contaminated and may cause system or vehicle damage.

2. Remove the clutch fluid reservoir cap (1) and ensure the clutch fluid reservoir (2) is filled to the fill line with new hydraulic fluid. Add fluid if required from a clean sealed container. For clutch fluid specifications, refer to General Specifications (General Specifications).
3. Stroke the clutch pedal from the up stop to the down stop position at least 15 times slowly to avoid aeration of fluid.

Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.


Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning (Safety Glasses Warning).

4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).




5. Loosen the concentric actuator cylinder bleeder screw (1).
6. Connect one end of a rubber tube (2) to the concentric actuator cylinder bleed screw (1).

Note: Make sure that the end of the rubber tube (2) always stays submerged in a suitable container.

7. Insert the other end of the rubber tube (2) into a clean container filled with clean brake fluid.

Note: Do not pump the clutch pedal repeatedly as entrapped air will cause fluid to foam.

8. Using an assistant, slowly depress the clutch pedal to the down stop position.
9. Open the concentric actuator cylinder bleed screw (1) 1/4 turn to release trapped air.
10. Close the concentric actuator cylinder bleed screw (1) and slowly return the clutch pedal to the up stop position.
11. Open the concentric actuator cylinder bleed screw (1) and slowly depress the clutch pedal from the up stop to the down stop position until fluid escapes through the bleeder assembly (1).
12. Close the concentric actuator cylinder bleed screw (1).
13. Return the clutch pedal to the up stop position.
14. Depress the clutch pedal from the up stop to the down stop position.
15. Open the concentric actuator cylinder bleed screw (1) and allow fluid with air bubbles to escape.
16. Close the concentric actuator cylinder bleed screw (1).

Note: Always make sure that the clutch fluid reservoir remains filled with new clean hydraulic fluid.

17. Repeat steps 14-17 until fluid without air bubbles escapes into the container.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

18. Tighten the concentric actuator cylinder bleed screw (1), with the clutch pedal still depressed, to 18 Nm (13 lb ft).
19. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
20. Make sure fluid level is correct.
21. Road test vehicle for correct clutch operation.