Clutch fluid change (pics)

[hailskins666]

I did all of my dirty work yesterday morning in my work truck so I could drive the Vette after lunch for “drive your Vette to work day”. Well, I was able to drive it for about 30 mins until the bottom fell out. Storms all afternoon. Being in construction, when it rains, usually we get shut down. So I had the afternoon off. Decided to change my clutch fluid, and install the Killer Bee.

Here is the clutch fluid change:

All of the stuff needed. DOT 4 brake and clutch fluid(I used NAPA brand), Baster, Rags, and empty water bottle for the old fluid.




I started out by laying rags around the clutch fluid reservoir, as the fluid is corrosive, and the process can be messy.




This is the color of the fluid, after 781 really fun miles in the new Z.


Suck all of the old fluid out with the baster. And be careful, the baster likes to drip a little of the fluid out. Next time, I’ll use a automotive syringe, which is on my list of things to get from Autozone, to lessen the droplets.


Clean out the reservoir with a lint free rag.


Fill with fresh fluid. Fill to about half way between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ marks.




Clean the cap, and replace.


Pump the clutch pedal about 20 to 30 times, and check again. Mine was dark again. Not as dark, but not clear.


So I repeated the process, 3 times in all, and ended up with this.


Like new. A LOT of people swear by this method, to avoid clutch pedal issues. It really only took about 15 minutes, even while shooting the pics. I think it is really good, and easy ‘preventative’ maintenance.

PS. Like I stated earlier, the turkey baster likes to drip a little, so I’m gonna try a large syringe next time.

[Stan2002]

Great instructions and pictures.

Thanks
Stan

[DennyM]

Most excellent ... and I agree.
I do it every time I bleed brakes ... usually before, and always after a track event.

[allanlaw]

Well done - looks like a surgeon's operating area. I've upgraded from a turkey baster to a syringe from Wal-Mart (pretty cheap).

[hailskins666]

Originally Posted by allanlaw

Well done - looks like a surgeon's operating area. I've upgraded from a turkey baster to a syringe from Wal-Mart (pretty cheap).

Definitely on my "to get" list.

[ZO6 AL-X]

Very cool... thanks for sharing.

[SomeGuy604]

I use this method too on my 03' Z.

Bought a nice big syringe from Home Depot, works very nicely with hardly any dripping, but i am still anal about spill considering the liquid is so corrosive to the paint. Very good idea with the towels around everything! I have never thought of doing that, i might try it next time... then i might not have to be so cautious about dripping

[froggy47]

What is the temp rating (dry / wet) on the napa stuff?

[SomeGuy604]

Originally Posted by froggy47

What is the temp rating (dry / wet) on the napa stuff?

I dont know about the Napa stuff, but here is a list of a lot of other good fluid brands.


I personally use Prestone DOT4. Its clear, so its easy to tell when it gets dirty, and I had no problem mixing it in with my current fluid.

[Vette1171]

Good writeup!

[sandmanszo6]

Question? I do this process on my C5 Z, in fact just did it the other night but I don't suck every last drop of fluid out for fear of getting air in the system. I always keep the inlet hole covered with fluid. Is this a legitimate concern?

[froggy47]

New fluid will find it's way down the hole. I always wipe mine out & never had a problem.

[Z06David]

Thanks for the great step by step. I plan on doing this soon also. Same question as above, is there any concern for getting air in the lines?

[SomeGuy604]

Originally Posted by sandmanszo6

Question? I do this process on my C5 Z, in fact just did it the other night but I don't suck every last drop of fluid out for fear of getting air in the system. I always keep the inlet hole covered with fluid. Is this a legitimate concern?

Everytime i have seen this done it has always been done by cleaning out the entire reservoir and i have not seen anyone have any problems with it. I always clean the reservoir dry and have had no problems with air. Also, you cant really get all of the gunk that settles down at the bottom unless you clean out everything.

[bgames]

Nice write up. I'm surprised by how few people do this on a regular basis.

Jason