Bleeding the Clutch Hydraulic System

Air must be bled from the clutch hydraulic system if the clutch pedal does not return or returns to the rest position slowly, gear disengagement is unsatisfactory, or if the hydraulic system has been opened.

Since the clutch hydraulic system uses brake fluid, observe the relevant requirements given in the Brake System section.

* The bleeding procedure described here, performed without a special tool, may leave some air in the system. This is indicated by a characteristic noise and unsatisfactory gear disengagement. In this case, bleed the air from the system at a service workshop using a special tool.

PROCEDURE

1. Remove the engine undershield. Refer to Engine Undershield Removal and Installation.
2. Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If necessary, top up the fluid to the Max mark. Refer to Fluid Level Checks.
3. Remove the cap from the bleeder valve (arrow in the accompanying illustration) on the slave cylinder. Connect a clear hose to the bleeder valve.

4. Carefully loosen the connection to the bleeder screw. Use a flare-nut wrench to loosen the bleeder screw so that the hex is not damaged.
5. Place the free end of the hose into a container with brake fluid to prevent air from being drawn into the system.
6. Have an assistant press the clutch pedal approximately 10 times until it stops, and hold it depressed.
7. With the pedal held in this position, open the bleeder screw (3). Brake fluid will begin to flow out. When the fluid flowing out no longer contains air bubbles, tighten the bleeder screw.

* Do not let the brake fluid level in the reservoir drop too far. Add fluid as necessary.

8. Release the clutch pedal. Press the pedal approximately 10 times again and hold it in that position. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until no more air comes out. Keep adding new fluid to the system during this procedure.
9. Tighten the bleeder screw on the slave cylinder. Remove the hose and install the cap.
10. Lower the vehicle to the wheels.
11. Fill the system with brake fluid to the Max mark.
12. Check the operation of the brake system and clutch.

Bleeding Air Using a Special Device

In automotive workshops, air is usually bled from the clutch hydraulic system using a special device. The device creates excess fluid pressure in the system.

PROCEDURE

1. Remove the mounting bolts from the brake fluid reservoir. Remove the reservoir.
2. Connect the air bleeding device in accordance with the instructions.
3. Attach a hose to the air bleeder screw. Place the end of the hose into a container.
4. Open the bleeder screw and hold it open until air bubbles stop appearing. Close the bleeder screw.
5. Remove the device.
6. Slowly press the clutch pedal fully approximately 10 times, then release it.
7. Remove the slave cylinder from the transmission. Do not disconnect the hydraulic line; refer to the Clutch Slave Cylinder Removal and Installation section.
8. Open the bleeder screw. Press the piston rod (1) of the slave cylinder fully in so that no more air bubbles are discharged. The bleeder screw must face upward. Close the bleeder screw and allow the rod to slowly return. Refer to the accompanying illustration.

* Do not press the clutch pedal when the slave cylinder is removed.

9. Install the brake fluid reservoir. Fill the fluid to the Max mark. Close the reservoir with the cap.
10. Install the clean air filter box.