Hi guys, I've been having problems with my clutch. Today as I drove in the freeway and I depressed the clutch it went down to the floor board and it did not feel like it had any pressure and I couldn't get it out of gear (the same happens when I try to put it in gear.) I pumped the clutch a couple of times and it built up enough pressure for it to work. I drove it around some more and I lost pressure a couple more times and I have corrected it the same way as I did the first time. I checked the fluids and everything looks fine. I was told that I either have water or air in the system. I know that have to bleed the clutch system now and I was wondering how I go about doing so. I don't think it's anything major as it always builds pressure so long as I pump it a couple times. I have an 83 280zxt and your help is greatly appreciated.

ratedZ

 

There is a bleeder nipple on the clutch slave cylinder. I had someone pump the clutch petal 3 or 4 times, then hold, then I opened the nipple and closed it. Not sure if thats the proper procedure but it worked fine for me.

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A good trick to bleeding hydraulic systems is to put a hose on the bleeding "screw"... and put the other end of it in a little bottle, or can, with brake (hydraulic) fluid. Be sure the other end of the hose is submerged in the fluid. I went to my local harbor freight and bought me a little bottle designed for it, and it works great!

This is the procedure
-Connect the hose to the bleeder screw
-Submerge the other end in the hydraulic fluid
-Be sure that the master cylinder is FULL.
-Open the bleeder screw
-Pump the pedal 4-5 times
-Check fluid levels in both the master cylinder and the little can or bottle you are using
-If you are using a clear hose, inspect the hose for bubbles remaining in it

You can do this by yourself. If you have a friend, the standard "PUMP!!! HOLD!!!".... "OK!!!" system works great too )

If you do it by yourself, it's effective because when you let go of the pedal, the other end of the hose submerged in fluid actually sucks fluid back in.. pumping it will move it and make the bubbles come out.

Good luck!!

-Steve
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/stev240z">http://www.geocities.com/stev240z</A>

 

The clutch sys in a z-car can be gravity bled...this is the easiest procedure to use if doing it by yourself.....NEVER let fluid travel back into the slave from whatever catch can you are using.....it has been contaminated. To gravity bleed you simple top of the clutch master, pump a couple of times then open the slave nipple, and let the contaminated fluid drani out...make sure to continue to fill the master as you go...you can even pour into the master as it drains. Then simple close the slave nipple once all the "old" fluid is evacuated.

 

If bleeding doesn't solve the problem you may need to rebuild or replace the master cylinder.It could be fluid bypassing the seals internally.

 

Remanufactured Clutch master cylinder cost me abuot $30 and reman. slave cost about $18.

Something to consider! not a huge dent in the pocket, and will give you assurance...

-Steve
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/stev240z">http://www.geocities.com/stev240z</A>