Clutch Control

412-1

412 Clutch Control

General . .................... . ....... 412-1
To replace clutch master cylinder .......... 412-1 To bleed clutch master and slave cylinders ... 412-2

GENERAL
The clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder can be serviced without removing the engine or transmission. However, the clutch slave cylinder can only be removed together with the pressure plate assembly, clutch disc, and release bearing. See 411 Clutch for information on removing these components. The clutch is non-adjustable. Typical problems with the clutch hydraulic system are fluid leaks, and air trapped in the system that creates a spongy feel to the clutch pedal. Fluid leaks are usually apparent around the component. Internal leakage past a seal can occur which results in a loss of pressure when the pedal is pushed.

NOTE On cars equipped with ABS, it may be necessary to remove the alternator belt tensioner and move the alternator to one side to reach the master cylinder.

To replace clutch master cylinder

1. Working in the engine compartment, pinch off the fluid supply hose from the brake fluid reservoir to the clutch master cylinder. See Fig. 1.
Fig. 2. Clutch master cylinder hydraulic pipe being removed. Master cylinder is located at A.

3. Inside the car, remove the left hand footwell air duct. See Fig. 3. Remove the clevis pin and the master cylinder self-locking mounting nuts. See Fig. 4.

WARNING Always replace self-locking nuts with new ones.

4. Installation is the reverse of removal. Bleed the system as described below. Replenish the fluid in the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
Ag. 1. Ruid reservoir B for clutch master cylinder and master cylinder A. Arrow shows fluid supply hose.

2. Remove the hydraulic pipe from the master cylinder. See Fig. 2. Remove the clip that holds the pipe to the body.

NOTE Do not allow the reservoir to empty, otherwise the entire system will need to be bled after the reservoir is refilled.

CAUTION Brake fluid can damage paint and bodywork. Immediately rinse any spills with water.

GENERAL

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CI utch Control
recommends using a coolant system pressure tester and an adaptor that screws onto the brake fluid reservoir. A brake system pressure bleeding kit can also be used for this procedure. These tools and kits are available from automotive tool manufacturers and supply stores. 1. Place a 6 mm. (1/4 in.) inside diameter hose on the slave cylinder bleeder nipple. See Fig. 5. Put the other end of the hose in a container.

Fig. 3.

Left hand footwell air duct being removed . Fig. 5. Slave cylinder bleeder nipple (arrow).

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2. Fill the master cylinder reservoir with brake fluid. Place the cooling system pressure tester on the master cylinder. 3. Open the bleeder nipple 1/2 of a turn. 4. Slowly pump up the tester only once or twice until fluid flows out of hose. Allow the fluid to flow until it is free of bubbles.

CAUTION Too much pressure applied to the system will damage the seals. Fig. 4. Clevis pin (arrow) and clutch master cylinder self-locking nuts A to be removed. Master cylinder is removed from engine compartment.

5. Shut off the bleeder nipple, recheck the fluid level and check the clutch pedal operation.

To bleed clutch master and slave cylinders

Tool required cooling system pressure tester with cap or equivalent
NOTE Do not allow the reservoir to empty, otherwise the entire system will need to be bled after the reservoir is refilled.

Bleeding the clutch master cylinder requires that the brake fluid reservoir be pressurized using special equipment. Saab

GENERAL