1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I did this procedure over the summer & wanted to share what I noticed.
1) Tools:
Like everyone says, a pressure bleeder makes the job a breeze. They cost about $50 online. If you're short on cash but have some spare time, there are instructions on the web to build your own. These will cost you around $20-$30. Or, if you're a skinflint like me, find a friend/neighbor/co-worker with one & trade him a six-pack of decent beer to use it. Whichever method you choose, be sure to rinse out (& pump thru) the bleeder with a bit of fresh fluid before you use it.
2) Double clutching:
Both cars (a '90 w/ABS & an '85 w/o) were overdue. The '90's fluid was about 3 yrs (20k mi) old, while the '85's was around 5 yrs (30k mi) old. The brakes came out clear & only slightly discolored, with the '85's a bit darker of the two. I was thankful they both looked so good!
But the clutches! OMG!!! They were both black, & I could swear the '85's looked chunky as it drained out of the tube!! Yuck-O!!! I decided to keep my friend's pressure bleeder for another weekend & purge both clutches again after a few days of driving. On 2nd flush, both fluids looked almost identical: dark black/green, similar to the color spinach leaves get when cooked. And that was after only a week!
3) Benefits:
The '85's clutch has been a little "hitchy" ever since we bought the car almost a year ago, & was getting progressively worse leading up to the fluid change. (It had become so bad that the pedal would pause during release & then slap the bottom of your foot.) After the 2nd flush, the pedal is smoother than when we bought the car. It's still not completely smooth, but I think I've postponed its replacement by quite a few thousand miles.
It took me less than 4 qts (but more than 3 qts) of fluid to do both cars, so I'm planning on flushing both clutches a third time with the last remaining fluid. Since I'm only doing the clutches, I think I'll give the bicycle-tube-method a try this time.
posted by 146.82.1...
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