How to... bleeding the clutch

[The_Edge]

There's lots of clutch threads, but couldn't find anything "conclusive" on how to bleed the clutch once you've refilled fluid...

Random selection of ideas, generally differing dependant on the colour of the car

Here's the best detail I found "Just bleed the nipple on the flexi pipe that runs down to the bell housing".

But they run to "removing cylinders and turning upside-down to chase out air"... so wanted to get a consensus before I do anything stupid!

[Gazzab]

I wouldnt bother. Surely if you need a new cylinder then topping up the fluid is only a temp thing to allow you to drive it to a garage for a repair?

[JensenA]

Using the bleed nipple on the St/Steel braided pipe, bleed the clutch as you would with any 'normal' hydralic clutch. Obviously it's easier if you have someone helping you to sit in the car and push the pedal down.
Do you know how to bleed the a clutch? Assuming you don't.....

Attach a clear bleed tube to the nipple, with the other end in a jam jar with some clean clutch fluid in it.
1. Top up the clutch fluid.
2. Get your assistant to push the pedal down while you loosen off the nipple
3. Keep the pedal to the floor, tighten the nipple.
4. Pedal back up
5. Go back to 1, and repeat until no more air bubbles are expelled and the clutch fluid is 'clean and new'.

Ignore all the references to 'Remove the cylinder, turn upside down etc etc.....' these are just for fitting a new slave cylinder.

[Mad Mark]

Just remember that that fluid can do serious damage to your paint so mop up any drips and splashes straight away!!!

[The_Edge]

Top stuff - thanks!

( Gary - absolutely, she'll be in asap, but if I can drive her there, then it takes a lot of the pain out )

[Mad Mark]

Just a couple of pics showing the location of the clutch reservoir

[The_Edge]

And am I right in thinking the braided pipes you can see at the top of the first pic, the dead-end one is the one to bleed from?

[southendpier]

The_Edge said:

And am I right in thinking the braided pipes you can see at the top of the first pic, the dead-end one is the one to bleed from?

The pipe will be toward the back of the engine, metal braided and with a nipple on it's end (like a small nut). Mine was very easy to spot since it is the only pipe that comes from somehere and doesn't connect to something.

[Mad Mark]

You might find it is cable tied to that pipe!
I think my bleed pipe is the one just visible behind the air box (slightly blured)

[fatjon]

JensenA said:

Ignore all the references to 'Remove the cylinder, turn upside down etc etc.....' these are just for fitting a new slave cylinder.

What's all this about, is there something I should know before putting my new bone dry slave cylinder/bell housing back onto the box?

[Mad Mark]

Not sure what JensenA is referring to but do make sure you align the bleed holes in the north and south positions otherwise you wont be able to bleed it fully.