Newbie "Clutch bleeding" questions

[Supervinnie40]

Hi all,

I have never bleed a clutch before, so I'd like to ask a few questions before I make a rooky mistake .

This is how I think it should be done. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Don't start the car.

- Fill the reservoir in the master clutch with Dot-4 fluid.
- Screw cap back on.
- Pump the clutch 5 times.
- Release the bleed nipple and wait for air and bubbles to come out.
- Tighten the bleed nipple again.
- Unscrew the cylinder and top-up the reservoir.
- Screw cap back on.
- Pump the clutch 5 times.
- Release the bleed nipple again and keep doing this till no bubbles/air come out of the bleed nipple.
- Make sure the master cylinder is topped up.
- Make sure the cap is screwed on tight.
- Make sure the bleed nipple is closed.

Alternative method:
- Fill the reservoir in the master clutch with Dot-4 fluid.
- Screw cap back on.
- Slide hose over bleed nipple.
- Make sure other end is closed with a small cut in the length at the end.
- Put the end of the hose in a bowl/bottle with Dot4 fluid (the end should be submerged)
- Open the bleed nipple with 2 spanners
- Pump the pedal slowly until no air/bubbles come out.
- Keep an eye on the master cylinder, keep it full.
- When there are no bubbles coming out of the tube, close the bleed nipple.
- Double check the master cylinder is full, top up if needed.
- Should be done.

Should I start the car when I'm done? Should the cylinder be filled to the brim?

Sorry to ask such newbie questions, I just want to make sure I know what I'm doing, and not just assuming things. Rather ask 2 dumb questions, then make 1 dumb mistake .

[Amsca2]

That will cover it. The engine off only so you dont hurt yourself when getting to the bleed nipple. I've used an assistant and got them to push and hold pedal whilst I opened and closed bleed nipple. You get to be good at lying upside down in the footwell. If you brim it will spill when condom goes in. Start car and test.

[Supervinnie40]

So it's better to hold down the pedal after pumping, when you are about to open the bleed nipple? Then release after you closed the bleed nipple, or release before you close the bleed nipple? Don't overfill it, got it. And always test out the result before deciding if its good enough.

[Amsca2]

Working on the assumption that lifting off when nipple open could draw air in so i bleed it same as a brake. Tighten nipple then release the peddle.

[roverbarmy]

Pumping the clutch five times with the bleed valve open will empty the reservoir. Reverse bleeding using a large syringe full of fluid seems to be the best way to go. Prepare for overflow at the master cylinder though. It's best done by emptying the master of old fluid, cleaning it with lint free cloth and reverse bleed. An old washing up bowl and plenty of paper towelling under the master cylinder is good for catching the overflow.

[Supervinnie40]

Do I understand correctly that reverse bleeding means that I pump the fluid into the bleed nipple, and wait till it comes out at the other end inside the master cylinder?

[drewbie]

Invest in a pressure bleed kit like Eezi Bleed, does a much better job. Loose the black condom and replace with an o ring.

[roverbarmy]

Originally Posted by Supervinnie40

Do I understand correctly that reverse bleeding means that I pump the fluid into the bleed nipple, and wait till it comes out at the other end inside the master cylinder?

Yes. Spot on. Much easier than the usual way (apart from the spilt fluid under the pedal if you are unlucky!)

[T-Cut]

- Fill the reservoir in the master clutch with Dot-4 fluid.
- Screw cap back on.
- Pump the clutch 5 times.
- Release the bleed nipple and wait for air and bubbles to come out.
- Tighten the bleed nipple again.

Use two spanners to slacken the bleed nipple ensuring that the part attached to the pipe doesn't turn on the pipe. If it does, the unit will leak no matter how tight you screw it back.

You pump the pedal down after slackening the bleed valve. You've proposed doing it the other way round, which doesn't achieve anything. But if you've decided to use a pressure bleeding kit, that's all irrelevant.

TC

[Supervinnie40]

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Use two spanners to slacken the bleed nipple ensuring that the part attached to the pipe doesn't turn on the pipe. If it does, the unit will leak no matter how tight you screw it back.

You pump the pedal down after slackening the bleed valve. You've proposed doing it the other way round, which doesn't achieve anything. But if you've decided to use a pressure bleeding kit, that's all irrelevant.

TC

Don't have a pressure bleeding kit, and not really in the luxury right now to order one. I need to go for my MOT on monday and I'm already wondering if my parcel from DMGRS is gonna be in time...

If I understand correctly you advice to undo the bleed nipple first, and then start pumping? Then close it when it's all the way down?
Thanks for the tip with 2 spanners, good to know