Clutch Hydraulic System: Service and Repair

Hydraulic Clutch Bleeding

Notice: 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.


Bleeding the hydraulic clutch system is necessary whenever the level of fluid in the clutch master cylinder reservoir has been allowed to fall so low that air has been drawn into the master cylinder.





1. Clean all dirt and debris from the clutch master cylinder cap to ensure that no foreign substances will enter the system.
2. Remove the clutch master cylinder reservoir cap with diaphragm.
3. Fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir with clutch hydraulic fluid. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants ([1][2]Fluid Type Specifications) .
4. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service Intervals) .
5. Remove the catalytic converters. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (6.0L) ()Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (7.0L) (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (7.0L)) and Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (6.0L) ()Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (7.0L) (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (7.0L)) .
6. Remove the floor panel tunnel reinforcement. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Reinforcement Replacement (Service and Repair) .
7. Have an assistant depress the clutch pedal fully and hold.
8. Loosen the bleeder screw on the clutch actuator cylinder to purge air.
9. Tighten the bleeder screw.
10. Release the clutch pedal.
11. Repeat steps 7-10 until all air is completely evacuated.
Check and refill the clutch master cylinder reservoir with clutch hydraulic fluid as necessary in order to prevent air from being drawn through the clutch master cylinder. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants ([1][2]Fluid Type Specifications) .
12. Fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir with clutch hydraulic fluid. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants ([1][2]Fluid Type Specifications) .
13. Install the floor panel tunnel reinforcement. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Reinforcement Replacement (Service and Repair) .
14. Install the catalytic converters. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (6.0L) ()Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (7.0L) (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (7.0L)) and Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (6.0L) ()Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (7.0L) (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (7.0L)) .
15. Lower the vehicle.