Date: Fri, 05 Nov 2004 17:58:46 GMT From: John B <rotten_NOSPAM_nospam.org> Subject: Re: clutch play? (c900)
I finally finished the job yesterday morning, installing the master cylinder with all new seals and the replacement piston return spring. That circlip was quite a pain to get on and off without the proper tool! This was my first time bleeding the clutch, and I have a few recommendations for anyone doing this for the first time. I used a pressure bleeder (purchased from eEuroparts.com), which I used to pump air instead of fluid since I couldn't be bothered to clean out the tank afterward. Pointers: 1. Don't bleed the clutch outside in pouring rain in 45 F (7 C) weather, especially when wearing a T-shirt. By the time I was done, my tools were wet and slippery, I couldn't tell what was water and what was spilled brake fluid or coolant, my clothes were totally soaked, and I was shivering so badly I could barely do anything. Plus it took extra effort to keep any water from contaminating the brake fluid, as you might imagine. But when one has no garage and must get the car to go in order to drive to work, options are limited. 2. The brake fluid reservoir must always be FULL. I spent way too much time pumping air into the clutch and having it come clear through the bleeder. Why? Because the fluid level had fallen down to around the "Max" level. Although it seems like this should be plenty to keep the clutch fed with fluid, it evidently is not. Thanks to the quasimotors.com site for enlightening me. (See http://www.quasimotors.com/bleeding_the_clutch.htm point #2) 3. There was lots of nasty black dirt in the brake fluid when I first started bleeding it out. Although I'm sure the reverse-gravity-turkey-baster bleeding method would work well, it seems like it would end up flushing lots of dirt into the reservoir. Despite the adverse weather conditions and missteps, I prevailed. The clutch feels like new, and I am a happy man. As always thanks to everyone for the advice. John