Fiat Bravo Quiz
Clutch

Bleeding the clutch hydraulics

In this manual: Clutch
Dear Reader — 1Engine — 35Engine lubrication — 3Engine cooling — 10Ignition/spark plugs — 14Fuel system — 10Petrol fuel injection — 13Diesel injection system — 13Exhaust system — 7Clutch — 7Transmission / Gearshift / Automatic Transmission — 5Front Axle — 11Rear axle — 4Steering — 9Wheel alignment — 1Brake system — 22Wheels and tyres — 10Body — 34Heating — 6Electrical system — 39Lighting system — 14Instruments — 7Windscreen wiper system — 8Vehicle care / tools — 6Jump Starting / Towing the Vehicle — 3Jacking up the vehicle — 1Fiat Bravo / Brava Maintenance Schedule — 1Maintenance — 38Wiring diagrams — 5
~1min read
Hydraulic operation (2.0 L engine only)

The clutch actuation must be bled if the clutch pedal does not return or returns only slowly, if the clutch does not disengage properly, or if the hydraulic system has been opened.

The clutch hydraulic system operates with brake fluid, so also observe the relevant notes in the "Brake System" chapter.

Note: With the bleeding procedure described here without a bleeding device, some air may remain in the system. This is recognizable by scraping noises and the clutch not disengaging properly. In this case, have the clutch hydraulics bled immediately at a workshop using the special device.

  • Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top up if necessary, see page 303.

Note: The fluid level in the reservoir must not drop too far; always top up with new brake fluid.
Kupplungsbetätigung entlüften

  • Remove the dust cap from the bleed screw -arrow- on the slave cylinder (top of the transmission). Push a clear hose onto the bleed valve on the slave cylinder.

  • Carefully free the bleed screw so it turns easily. Use a ring spanner to open it so the hexagon of the screw is not damaged.

  • Immerse the free end of the hose in a container of brake fluid so that no air can be drawn in during bleeding.

  • Have an assistant press the clutch pedal fully down about 10 times, then hold it depressed.

  • With the pedal held in this position, open the bleed screw -arrow-; brake fluid will flow out. When no more air bubbles are visible in the escaping fluid, close the bleed screw. Caution: when changing the brake fluid, keep pumping out fluid until new fluid emerges. New brake fluid can be recognized by its lighter color.

  • Release the clutch pedal and operate it again 10 times, hold it depressed and open the bleed screw.

    Repeat this procedure until no more air bubbles are pushed out through the hose.

    Always top up the reservoir with new brake fluid during this process.

  • Close the bleed screw on the slave cylinder.

    Remove the hose and push the dust cap back on.

  • Lower the vehicle.

  • Top up the brake fluid to the MAX mark.

  • Check the operation of the brake and clutch systems.

Test yourself

A quick Fiat Bravo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.