How are clutch hydraulic system problems diagnosed?
Clutch hydraulic system fluid bleeding requires no diagnosis. It is performed at the completion of a repair, as part of a clutch hydraulic system system flush, or as a step in testing the clutch hydraulic system system if a diagnosis requires. However, if a technician notices the brake fluid in the clutch hydraulic system master cylinder is murky, discolored, is contaminated, or there is condensation under the cap, the system will be flushed and bled.
How are clutch hydraulic systems bled?
The technician servicing the clutch hydraulic system will first remove the clutch hydraulic fluid reservoir, then the vehicle will be slightly lifted to gain access to the clutch slave cylinder bleed valve. The vacuum bleeding tool will be placed on the valve and pumped as the valve is turned to released the old fluid. New fluid will then be poured into the clutch fluid reservoir as an assistant pumps the clutch pedal slowly. The flushing will continue until the fluid comes out of the slave cylinder clean, renewed, and free of air. At that time, the technician will close the bleeder valve, top off the clutch hydraulic system reservoir, set the vehicle down, and test the clutch.
RepairPal Recommendations for Clutch Hydraulic System Issues
Many dishonest shops will recommend these services before they are due, when not performing a clutch hydraulic system service, and at the expense of the owner. Any time you feel the service is not warranted, ask why it should be performed now and consider contacting one of our certified repair facilities for a second opinion. If you are completely uncertain, you can always ask us for advice here on RepairPal.com.
What to look out for when dealing with Clutch Hydraulic System issues
Even if the fluid from the clutch hydraulic system appears clean, if the factory recommends changing the fluid as scheduled maintenance, it is still a good idea to follow the advice of the manufacturer of the vehicle. If you are concerned of being duped into an upsell, focus your attention on the factory scheduled maintenance guide in your owner's manual, and compare that to your service records. If the vehicle is overdue for the service, or if it is coming due then, it should be serviced.