Clutch and Brake Bleeding Techniques

[Tom Werner]

I read something similar to this tip from the archives a couple of years ago 
when I needed to replace the clutch master cylinder on my 88 80q.

Worked wonderfully.  I am a believer.  I used some brakefluid (rather than 
water) in the cup and it has held up since the MC was replaced.

-- Tom Werner



>>With all the talk about clutch bleeding, I thought I'd share my technique 
>>that I use for bleeding systems. I've used this on brakes for dozens of 
>>cars, and even a few months ago on my audi clutch (after MC rebuild).
>>
>>Below is a link (sorry for the length) to a picture I made of the setup. 
>>Really, you just need a clear piece of tubing that fits snugly over the 
>>bleeder valve and a cup of water. You can use non-clear tubing, but it's 
>>not as cool :o)
>>
>>1) Press one end of the tubing over the bleeder valve.
>>2) Place the other end of the tubing hose below the water in the cup
>>3) Open the bleeder valve
>>4) Depress (or have friend do it while you watch) clutch/brake pedal a few 
>>times. Keep reservoir topped off. Continue bleeding until fluid coming out 
>>hose is clear.
>>5) Close bleeder valve
>>6) Repeat for other circuits if necessary.
>>
>>http://www.its2.uidaho.edu/cordon/dan/images/car_images/brake_bleeding.jpg
>>
>>
>>The key to making this work is keeping the end of the hose in the fluid. 
>>By doing this, the cylinder will draw fluid from the reservoir *instead* 
>>of sucking it up the hose.
>>
>>NOTE: In this setup, fluid in NOT drawn from the cup. It's just used as an 
>>means to keep air from drawing back in to the cylinder.
>>
>>I've done this by myself many times with success, though I prefer to have 
>>another person operating the pedal. This way I can watch things to tell 
>>when they've cleared up and close the valve quickly when done.
>>
>>Also, when doing my clutch circuit, I couldn't get any other method to 
>>work. This way worked great.
>>
>

--
Dan Cordon
Mechanical Engineer
University of Idaho - Engine Research Facility

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