Bleeding the Clutch Hydraulic Actuation System

PROCEDURE

1. Bleed the clutch hydraulic actuation system each time its components are removed, and also when the fluid level in the reservoir drops low enough for air to enter the master cylinder. The bleeding method is the same as that used for bleeding air from the brake system.
2. Fill the master cylinder with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid.

Do not reuse fluid drained from the system, or fluid that has been stored for a long time in a container that was not tightly closed.
3. Raise the vehicle and support it on safety stands, providing normal access to the slave cylinder on the clutch housing.

4. Remove the dust cap and fit a suitably sized plastic hose onto the bleeder valve of the cylinder. Place the other end of the hose into a clear container partially filled with brake fluid. Make sure the end of the hose is fully submerged in the fluid.

5. Have an assistant depress the clutch pedal and hold it in the fully depressed position. Open the bleeder valve and drain fluid from the cylinder into the drain container. When fluid mixed with air bubbles stops flowing, close the bleeder valve tightly and have the assistant release the pedal.
6. Continue bleeding in the same manner until the fluid flowing from the cylinder is completely free of air bubbles. Constantly monitor the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, and do not let it drop too low, as air entering the system will undo all previous work.
7. When bleeding is complete, disconnect the hose and reinstall the dust cap. Lower the vehicle to the ground and check clutch operation.