How To Bleed a Car's Clutch
FixMyCar discusses what's involved in bleeding a clutch.
Book a car repair nowCharlotte Phillips
Friday March 22 2024
6 min read
Bleeding a clutch is something you can do at home with the right knowledge and equipment. Or, if you don't feel confident enough for that, it's a job that a mechanic will be happy to do for you.
This guide explains the ins and outs of bleeding a clutch to help you decide whether to take on the task or leave it to a professional.
To understand why clutches sometimes need bleeding, it helps to first understand how they work.
The clutch plate is found between the flywheel and the pressure plate inside your car’s clutch system. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the spring found in the centre of the pressure plate disengages the connection between the wheels and the transmission - it's during this time that you can change gears.
Check out this guide to learn more about how your clutch works.
What is a hydraulic clutch?
Hydraulic clutches were introduced to the automotive world as an alternative to the mechanical clutch because they have fewer components that can fail. While many older cars use a mechanical or cable clutch, almost all modern vehicles from the ‘90s onwards use a hydraulic system.
When the clutch pedal is pressed on a vehicle with a hydraulic clutch, a moving piston in the master cylinder disperses brake fluid into the slave cylinder. This fluid activates a piston connected to the slave cylinder, which releases the clutch through a release bearing.
What does it mean to bleed a clutch?
Bleeding a clutch means removing all the fluid and air in the system. It is necessary if air gets into the clutch, leading to a spongy clutch pedal and a slipping clutch that can't fully engage.
How do you know if your clutch needs bleeding?
The most common reason air can enter the clutch is a leak in the system. However, it’s always best to take your car to a trained mechanic for an inspection first, who can diagnose the problem.
Some of the symptoms of air in the clutch system to look out for include:
Low clutch fluid - this can indicate a leak
Your clutch pedal feels spongy
A change in your clutch biting point
Difficulty disengaging the clutch
Resistance in shifting gears
Is it easy to bleed a clutch?
Bleeding a clutch isn't particularly difficult once you know what you’re doing. Check out our step-by-step instructions below - you can find many helpful video tutorials on YouTube if you need further assistance.
However, while it's possible to bleed a clutch without professional help, we always recommend taking your car to a garage. At FixMyCar, we’re here to help you find a trained mechanic in your area who can do the job to a high standard for a reasonable price.
What safety gear do I need to bleed a clutch?
As with any at-home repair, you must protect yourself and have the correct safety equipment before doing the job.
Latex gloves will help protect your hands from coming into contact with brake fluid, which can cause skin irritation.
Safety goggles will protect your eyes from any dripping fluids while working underneath the vehicle.
How to bleed a clutch
Always ensure you have the correct equipment and safety gear before attempting any kind of repair on your car.
Step one: jack up the vehicle
Use the appropriate jack stand points (you can find this information in your vehicle handbook).
Step two: locate the master cylinder
This part can usually be found near the clutch lever.
Step three: remove the cap from the master cylinder reservoir
Once you've removed the cap, check the fluid level. It should be at the fill level - if it’s low, top it up to the line with new clutch fluid. All clutch fluid is generic and works the same, so any type will do.
Step four: locate the bleeder valve
The valve is on the slave cylinder. When you've found it, place a pan or bowl beneath it.
Step five: open the bleeder valve
Use a wrench to open the valve. You should be able to see and hear air and liquid coming out of the valve.
Step six: tighten the valve again
Once the liquid slows down, tighten the valve back up again. Once fully tight again, release the clutch pedal and add more clutch fluid if needed
Step seven: repeat the process
Repeat the steps above until you open the bleeder valve and only liquid comes out, no air.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the clutch fluid located?
Your clutch fluid is located in the engine bay of your vehicle (usually under the bonnet) inside the clutch fluid reservoir. If you're uncertain about the location, consult your vehicle handbook.
Is your clutch covered under warranty?
Most warranty providers don’t include clutches in their coverage because they are considered a ‘wear and tear’ item. That said, it is possible to get warranties that cover the clutch, but they often come with an added premium.
To learn more, check out our guide - are clutches covered under warranty?
Is brake fluid the same as clutch fluid?
Essentially, brake fluid is the same as clutch fluid. The only difference is that they are stored in different vehicle components and serve slightly different purposes. While clutch fluid is used to engage the clutch via the hydraulic clutch system, brake fluid is used to engage the brakes via the hydraulic brake system.
How frequently should I bleed my clutch?
You shouldn’t need to keep bleeding your clutch. It should only need to be repeated if you notice your clutch pedal begins to feel spongy again or if you experience any of the other potential symptoms mentioned above.
If you need to bleed your clutch repeatedly, it usually indicates a bigger problem.
Having problems with your clutch? FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:
- Related topics:
- Clutch Repairs
- Clutch Replacement
- General Repair Clutch
- How To
