Has anyone ever flushed the clutch fluid?

I'm going through all my books, but can't find anything on flushing/replacing the clutch fluid. Is it recommended if all fluids are being changed/replaced?

Thanks,

Russ

Don't remember this being on the maint. list. I would leave it unless it's so old that you're worried about it.

Russ,
I purge at the same time as the brakes. About annually.

I replace the hydraulic fluids in all our vehicles every 2 years.
Being anal about having brakes that I know will work as they were designed to is part of my OCD.
The clutch always gets done at the same time as the brakes.

yea i would flush it

There should be a bleeder valve on the slave cylinder that can be opened up and the fluid pumped out from that. That is how most cars are. I would flush it just because the fluid still absorbs water, and that isn't good for the seals and the bores of the cylinders

Hurst

UH OH

Russ, I don't know if Gil's "UH OH" is meant to imply this, but be aware that bleeding the clutch system can be almost as fun as a root canal. You might want to do a search just to see what people say about it before you start. It's not THAT big a deal, but it will probably take longer than you plan.

Have fun!

Replacing the fluid is not a big deal. The system is already bled so all that is happening is fresh fluid is being pumped thru the system.
Just keep adding at the master until the bleed hose has clean, new fluid in it.

Years ago we always used Castrol LMA brake fluid and many say it really doesn't make any difference anymore what you use. I still use it and have had absolutely NO problems.
What Jim said: 2years and flush.

Just changed out all the seals in the master and slave - old fluid was really black. I would flush out every 2 years. With the bleeder in the upper position it is easy do.

Russ,

I picked up a Mighty Vac works like a dream takes no time at all. Just changed the brake fluid on the red B in about half an hour. The best part is you can do it by yourself you don't have to get your wife to pump the brakes or clutch for you.

Paul

Flushing both systems is essential to both. Even tho the clutch system is not under the same type of stresses as the brakes, both usually collect some moisture and that can cause corrosion in both. The annual or biannual flush is just good PM. It removes moisture and contaminants and keeps these systems at as close to peak performance as is possible.

As Bob noted, when the fluid turns dark and/or milky flush it.

I WOULD RECOMMEND FLUSHING THE FLUID AS SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE SAID. JUST A LITTLE PERSONEL STORY HOWEVER. I DRIVE MY CAR DAILY,ONE FRIDAY EVENING AFTER WORK I DECIDED TO JUST FLUSH THROUGH SOME NEW FLUID. HAD A FRIEND PUMP IT UP, I OPENED THE BLEEDER...CLOSED THE BLEEDER..PEDAL WENT AWAY...NEVER TO RETURN. I TRIED MANY MORE TIMES TO GET PEDAL BACK..INCLUDING BACKWARD BLEEDING....NEVER WORKED.LIMPED CAR HOME,PROCEEDED TO FRESHEN UP ALL HYDRAULICS IN THE CAR. ONE SERIES OF REPAIRS HAS LED TO MORE RESTORATION WORK ON PEDALS /BRAKES/WHEEL BRGS/FIREWALL PAINTING/RUST REPAIR..............I HAVEN'T DRIVEN MY CAR FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW,WITH THE END NOT IN SIGHT YET. HOPE YOUR PREVENTIVE MAINTAINENCE DOESN'T GET YOU THIS FAR DOWN RABBIT TRAILS.

Bleeding clutch slave can be a problem. 1.Open up the bleeder let it drain by gravity until clear liquid comes out then close. 2.Hold finger thumb over bleeder hole crack the bleeder open while compressing slave piston all the way in then close the bleeder. 3. Depress clutch peddle check travel of slave rod to about 1/2 inch or so.
If you dont get enough travel do 2 over again until you do. Make sure to top clutch master .

You should do it about every 2 years or so.

I just put a jar underneath the bleeder nipple and crack it open so that it starts to drip. I then do whatever it is that I was gonna do that Saturday afternoon, whether it was to do a tune-up, change the oil, clean/wax the car.

This method takes a few hours usually, and as long as you don't step on the clutch pedal with the bleeder open and you don't let the reservoir go dry, it's usually good to go once the fluid comes out nice and clean. Meaning there's no extra bleeding procedures to do.

There are faster methods, like vacuuming it out, or pumping it out, but, I've always found this method nice and easy, albeit kinda slow.

B

It may be slow, but im going to give it a shot, since the thing isnt tagged, and has no interior anyway.. Begin drip bleeding, eat fajitas,..do other things, come back to it.

Flushing the system is not as involved as bleeding a freshly filled system. The air is already gone from the system.