Clutch fluid level

flyer_phil · 27th November 2010, 10:34

My clutch at times feels a bit spongy; someone suggested that perhaps the fluid level in the master cylinder is low as the level drops over time as the clutch wears.

Haynes suggests that the brake fluid reservoir also feeds the clutch master cylinder.

So why do people talk about topping up the clutch master cylinder directly by accessing it from on top of the clutch peddle were it is located?

Apparently it is a pain to get at and you have to use a mirror to look at the level when the cap is removed.

Can anyone help clear up this for me please and also the procedure for topping it up directly.

Thanks

flyer_phil · 27th November 2010, 12:34

Having searched the forum, i have a partial answer to this. Apparently the brake reservoir does not feed the clutch system.

So you do have to struggle on your back with a syringe to top up the master cylinder. What a stupid b****y design along with the rest on these cars.

HarryM1BYT · 27th November 2010, 12:42

No, No - it a sealed for life system

Put a length of fish tank air pipe on the syringe nozzle, with a bit of stiff wire in the far end of the pipe to make the pipe stay put when bent. You just form the pipe end into a hook, to hook the pipe on the cylinder's lip. Put some newspaper over the carpet, then just let it flow in until it overflows. You don't have to struggle so much then.

Cut the black nipple thingummy down, so there is enough left to form a seal for the cap, the cylinder can hold much more fluid then.

flyer_phil · 27th November 2010, 12:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

No, No - it a sealed for life system

Thanks harry!

I think I will have a trip to Doncaster next week and see if Andy Willi can flush and bleed the clutch system.

Having entered my 'age of wisdom' I'm not as lithe and fit as I was in my 20's.

The clutch is OK at the moment but I'm scared to death of it going and costing me hundreds, so little preventative maintenance may be a good plan.

27th November 2010, 10:34	#1
flyer_phil Loves to post Rover 75 CDT Classic, 2003, Moonstone Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chesterfield at the moment Posts: 411 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Clutch fluid level My clutch at times feels a bit spongy; someone suggested that perhaps the fluid level in the master cylinder is low as the level drops over time as the clutch wears. Haynes suggests that the brake fluid reservoir also feeds the clutch master cylinder. So why do people talk about topping up the clutch master cylinder directly by accessing it from on top of the clutch peddle were it is located? Apparently it is a pain to get at and you have to use a mirror to look at the level when the cap is removed. Can anyone help clear up this for me please and also the procedure for topping it up directly. Thanks

27th November 2010, 12:34	#2
flyer_phil Loves to post Rover 75 CDT Classic, 2003, Moonstone Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chesterfield at the moment Posts: 411 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	partial answer Having searched the forum, i have a partial answer to this. Apparently the brake reservoir does not feed the clutch system. So you do have to struggle on your back with a syringe to top up the master cylinder. What a stupid b****y design along with the rest on these cars.

27th November 2010, 12:42	#3
HarryM1BYT This is my second home 75 Contemporary SE Mk II 2004 Man. Sal. CDTi 135ps, FBH on red diesel, WinCE6 DD Join Date: May 2010 Location: Leeds Posts: 17,273 Thanks: 2,160 Thanked 2,061 Times in 1,586 Posts	No, No - it a sealed for life system Put a length of fish tank air pipe on the syringe nozzle, with a bit of stiff wire in the far end of the pipe to make the pipe stay put when bent. You just form the pipe end into a hook, to hook the pipe on the cylinder's lip. Put some newspaper over the carpet, then just let it flow in until it overflows. You don't have to struggle so much then. Cut the black nipple thingummy down, so there is enough left to form a seal for the cap, the cylinder can hold much more fluid then. __________________ Harry How To's and items I offer for free, or just to cover the cost of my expenses... http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...40#post1764540 Fix a poor handbrake; DIY ABS diagnostic unit; Loan of the spanner needed to change the CDT belts; free OBD diagnostics +MAF; Correct Bosch MAF cheap; DVB-T install in an ex-hi-line system; DD install with a HK amp; FBH servicing. I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.