Clutch: Service and Repair
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BLEEDING CLUTCH HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT
POWER BLEEDING CLUTCH HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT
1. Use Mopar brake fluid, or an equivalent quality fluid meeting DOT 3 standards only. Use fresh, clean fluid from a sealed container at all times.
2. Follow the manufacturers instructions carefully when using pressure equipment. Do not exceed the tank manufacturers pressure recommendations. The service filling machine should be pressurized between 2.0 and 2.5 bar (29 - 36 PSI).
3. Fill the bleeder tank with recommended fluid and purge air from the tank lines before bleeding.
4. Do not pressure bleed without a proper master cylinder adapter. The wrong adapter can lead to leakage, or drawing air back into the system.
5. Remove dust cap from bleeder valve and connect the transparent bleeder hose to bleeder valve.
NOTE: Use a container to capture hydraulic fluid and a transparent bleeder hose to route fluid to the container.
NOTE: The container must be at a lower level than the bleeder valve on the clutch slave cylinder.
6. Place the other end of hose in the bleeder container to capture the used fluid. The end of the hose MUST be submerged in the DOT 3 brake fluid.
7. Turn on the service filling machine.
NOTE: While bleeding the system, do not allow the clutch fluid reservoir to completely empty out. If this happens, refill the clutch fluid reservoir, and repeat the procedure.
8. Open the bleeder valve on the clutch slave cylinder enough to allow fluid to flow from the clutch hydraulic system.
9. Allow fluid to flow out of bleed port until no more air bubbles can be seen in the transparent bleeder hose.
10. Once fluid is free of air bubbles; make 15 quick actuations between clutch pedal stop positions.
11. Close the bleeder valve at the clutch slave cylinder and disconnect the service filling machine.
12. Check clutch pedal to see if vehicle is properly bled.
13. If vehicle is not properly bled, repeat procedure.
14. Remove bleeder cap from the clutch fluid reservoir and replace reservoir cap.
15. Disconnect transparent bleeder hose from bleeder valve and replace dust cap.
MANUAL BLEEDING CLUTCH HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT
NOTE: An assistant is required to perform this procedure
1. Verify fluid level in clutch/brake cylinder. Top off with DOT 3 brake fluid as necessary. Leave cap off.
NOTE: The container must be positioned at a lower level than the bleeder valve on the clutch slave cylinder
2. Install suitable size and length of clear hose to the bleeder port (1) in order to monitor and divert fluid into a suitable container.
3. Have the assistant press down and hold the clutch pedal until it reaches the floor.
NOTE: Do not allow clutch/brake fluid reservoir to run dry while fluid exits bleed port. If the reservoir runs dry during this procedure, it must be refilled. and this step must be repeated.
NOTE: Ensure the assistant does not release the clutch pedal from the floor while the bleed port on the clutch slave cylinder is open. Otherwise, air will enter the clutch hydraulic circuit.
4. Open the bleed port on the clutch slave cylinder enough to allow hydraulic fluid to drain. Any air in the system will escape at this time.
5. Close the bleed port on the clutch slave cylinder, and have the assistant release the clutch pedal to the full up position.
6. Repeat steps 5 through 7 at least 15 times or until air bubbles are no longer present in the clutch hydraulic fluid.
7. Slowly actuate the clutch pedal 10 times between the full up and pedal stop position.
8. Apply parking brake. Start engine and verify clutch operation and pedal feel. If the clutch pedal feels fine and the transaxle can be easily shifted from neutral to any gear, the clutch is operating correctly. If pedal still feels spongy or clutch does not fully disengage, excessive air is still trapped within the system, most likely at the master cylinder.
9. Disconnect the hose from the bleed port on the clutch slave cylinder.
10. Top off brake master cylinder fluid level with DOT 3 brake fluid as necessary.