I recently did a brake service on my beast and added SS brake lines. I replaced the brake fluid at that time. I now need to bleed the clutch to get the old fluid out of that line. I've searched on clutch bleeding and have found lots of info on the topic, but wanted to get the opinion of those who have done this before, am I better off using my Motive power bleeder or having someone help me and pump the clutch manually? (If you are recommending the power bleeder route, what level do you pressurize the bleeder to?)
I do it with two people. The other person does the clutch pedal pumping and I do the technical work.
-I attach a small hose on the bleeder valve, to drain the fluid into a container.
-I have the other person give it 12 pumps (this is my personal remedy). - while on the 12th pump I yell "HOLD!!!" to the person pumping. He keeps the pedal in all the way to the floor after his 12th pump.
-Then I open the bleeder vlave(don't take it completely off, just enough for the fluid to come out.
-The brake fluid will come out mixed with air, which makes it looks like bubbles. The theory is that you do not want any bubbles. -I tighten the bleeder valve.
-The clutch should start to stiffen up.
-I repeat this process as long as necessary (usually 2-3 more times). Remember NO BUBBLES!!
-keep in mind You will need to have Only DOT4 fluid in hand, about 3 containers (just in case).
I didn't realize that the clutch took that much fluid. Good to know, because I was only looking at grabbing a bottle. Just wanting to know if Ate Super Blue Brake Race Fluid is acceptable?
TopEnd, you stated that you repeat this process usually 2-3 more times. Now, to clarify this, do you do it in 12 pumps each time or is 2-3 more times pressing down on the pedal? My assumption is going to be that you are pressing the pedal 12 pumps each time for sets of 2-3.
How often should this service be performed also? Is this an annual service? Or something down at higher mileage intervals or in intervals of 50k, etc.? For those of us with 540is on the board that have the CDV (clutch delay valve) this would be a good time to remove that and plug the two lines together. This would be logical to me if I was already under there draining fluid.
um it look like you are stating that you open the bleeder valve enough for fluid to come out and then pump it 12 times...
I think you meant to say pump it 12 times and then open the valve. if you open the valve and then pump it you will suck air in everytime the pedel is raised off the floor...
Ryan
Quote:
Originally Posted by TopEnd
I do it with two people. The other person does the clutch pedal pumping and I do the technical work.
-I attach a small hose on the bleeder valve, to drain the fluid into a container.
-Then I open the bleeder vlave(don't take it completely off, just enough for the fluid to come out.
-Then I have the other person give it 12 pumps (this is my personal remedy). Within those 12 pumps the brake fluid will come out mixed with air, which makes it looks like bubbles. The theory is that you do not want any bubbles. - while on the 12th pump I yell "HOLD!!!" to the person pumping. He keeps the pedal in all the way to the floor after his 12th pump.
-I tighten the bleeder valve.
-The clutch should start to stiffen up.
-I repeat this process as long as necessary (usually 2-3 more times). Remember NO BUBBLES!!
-keep in mind You will need to have Only DOT4 fluid in hand, about 3 containers (just in case).
Hope this helps out!
The Following User Says Thank You to rneedham1979 For This Useful Post:
Thanks for the replies, but I have to agree with member meedham1979 that you would get air in the line if you pump it while the valve is left open. Has anyone done this process with a Motive power bleeder? If doing it manualy by pumping the clutch I would expect to do it just like the brakes, opening the valve as the second person presses the clutch and then closing it before the clutch hits bottom, then repeat until all the old fluid is out of the line. Wouldn't you want to avoid getting any air in the system?
I have used a power bleeder many times.....it keeps the wife happy and not involved. To bleed the clutch/brakes, I suck as much fluid from the resovior as possible with a turkey baster. Then refill with new fresh fluid. Put a quart of new fluid in the power bleeder check all lines for a good seal. I like to put a towel or two around where I am working, as brake fluid ruins the paint. I pump it up to about 25psi (Bentley manual has a BMW spec...double check it), then go open the bleeder. Let it bleed for a while until good clean fluid is coming through. It is a trick to remove the power bleeder without spilling any fluid. With the bleeder still open, turn the power bleeder upside down until all the fluid is out of the line, and the resovoir is starting to lose fluid. Then go close the bleeder. Loosen the power bleeder cap (right side up now) to release pressure, and carefully take it off the resovoir. It takes a time or two...do an old car first!
Last edited by emccallum; 11th March 2008 at 20:04.
um it look like you are stating that you open the bleeder valve enough for fluid to come out and then pump it 12 times...
I think you meant to say pump it 12 times and then open the valve. if you open the valve and then pump it you will suck air in everytime the pedel is raised off the floor...
Ryan
Edited my post. To summarize what I meant:
pump 12 x's
open valve/ release air bubbles
tighten
repeat as necessary.
Thanks Ryan for the catch
TopEnd, you stated that you repeat this process usually 2-3 more times. Now, to clarify this, do you do it in 12 pumps each time or is 2-3 more times pressing down on the pedal? My assumption is going to be that you are pressing the pedal 12 pumps each time for sets of 2-3.
FWIW, Somewhere in my educational process I was told slow steady pumping is better than hard fast pumps, as the fast pumping tends to stir up the fluid. Made sense to me, so I remembered it.
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