The hydraulic fluid used as a working fluid in the clutch drive path is one of the toxic and chemically aggressive compounds and, in contact with body panels, destroys the paintwork. Before proceeding with the procedure, cover the wings and front panel of the car with special covers, or just old blankets. Bleed the brake system while wearing goggles. If brake fluid accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention!
Bleeding the system shutdown hydraulic actuator must be performed each time its components are removed, and also when the liquid level in the reservoir drops so much that air enters the main cylinder. The principle of pumping is the same as that used when removing air from the brake path. When bleeding, use only fresh hydraulic fluid of the correct grade.
1. The bleed valve is located at the hydraulic hose attachment point on top of the gearbox crankcase. On some models, access to the valve may be difficult. Jack up the car and place it on jack stands.
2. Make sure that the union connections of the hydraulic clutch path are tight. Wipe the bleed valve thoroughly.
3. Remove the master cylinder reservoir cap and fill the reservoir with fresh hydraulic fluid, bringing its level to the MAX mark. Replace the cover. Remember that during the bleeding of the system, in order to avoid the risk of suction into the air path, the liquid level in the reservoir should not fall below the MIN·mark.
Do not re-use liquid pumped out of the system, as well as liquid stored for a long time in a loosely closed container!
The main method of pumping - the help of an assistant is required
1. Remove the dust cap and fit the end of a suitable plastic hose over the cylinder bleed valve. Lower the other end of the hose into a transparent vessel partially filled with hydraulic fluid - make sure that the hose section is completely immersed in the liquid.
2. Ask the assistant to press the clutch pedal several times in order to raise the pressure in the path, then squeeze it out and fix it in the lower position. Open the bleed valve and let the fluid out of the cylinder into the drain container. When the outflow of liquid mixed with air bubbles stops, tighten the valve tightly again and allow the assistant to release the pedal.
3. Continue pumping in the same manner until the liquid leaving the cylinder is completely free of air bubbles. Constantly closely monitor the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, avoiding its excessive lowering, dangerous air ingress into the tract and nullifying all efforts made.
Bleeding Method Using Check Valve Kit
As the name suggests, the bleed kit includes a piece of hose equipped with a one-way valve. The valve prevents the ejected fluid from returning back to the system and will allow one-man pumping - do not forget to monitor the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir (it must not fall below the MIN·mark!).
Pumping with compressed air
1. A spare wheel can be used as a source of compressed air - you must first relieve its inflation pressure. Proceed in accordance with the instructions supplied with the kit.
2. When using such a device, you only need to release the bleed valve and wait for the air bubbles to stop leaving the tract.
3. The main advantage of this method is that the large reservoir of hydraulic fluid included in the kit does not allow air to be sucked into the tract during pumping.
All Methods
1. Having finished pumping, check the clutch pedal travel - if the softness that has taken place is completely eliminated, tighten the bleeding valve with the required force, put a protective cap on it and collect traces of spilled liquid with a rag.
2. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, correct if necessary (see chapter Current service).
3. The drained liquid cannot be reused and must be disposed of in accordance with environmental protection requirements.
4. Check the proper functioning of the clutch - if it does not turn off when the pedal is depressed, therefore, not all the air has been removed from the tract and pumping must be repeated. If a satisfactory result cannot be achieved during several pumpings, the condition of the sealing elements of the hydraulic line union connectors on both cylinders should be checked.
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