Bhj0887

Ok, I just replace the clutch master and slave cylinders, but when I try to bleed it all that comes out is air. I can do it all day and only air comes out and the pedal will still drop to the floor. I've never had to bring any of my cars to a mechanic nor have I need any physical help from anybody....I don't want this to be my first. The lines are connected correctly and as far as I can see there are no leaks or bursts. I'm really hoping that I'm not going to have to do a complete clutch job, because I'm broke and it's narrowing down to the release lever (might as well do the whole damn thing while I'm in there), although it seems tight when I try to push on it through the little hole. I'm going to try replacing the hose to the slave cylinder but I don't think that's going to solve the problem.


BTW, are there any special tricks while bleeding the clutch? I was doing it the old fashion 2 person way. Maybe if I'm lucky this is my problem (I'll invest in the power bleeder just for this). This car is stressing the hell outta me cause I want to fix it and can't find the problem.

Another question, does the release lever just pop off for no reason?

Every suggestion will help.

Joe Jackson

Your problem most likely is that the feed hole in the reservoir is not covered in brake fluid and hence all that air b/c that's all the cylinders are sucking. I'm assuming you probably have the front of the car jacked up? Well, put it back down on the ground. Jack up the passenger side rear of the car as high as you can. What this will do move the fluid in the reservoir back over the hole for the clutch master cylinder which is at the front of the reservoir. Trying bleeding it now. I made the same mistake you did my first try at it and wasted a few hours. Then I jacked up the rear and had it bled in seven pumps.

Bhj0887

sounds good to me, at least its worth a try.

BruceWard

Buy or borrow a power bleeder and your problem should go away. It keeps the the reservior completely full. I bled mine with the car level but 15"s off the ground on jack stands.

Bhj0887

Yea, I'm going to buy one today. I can see where I made the worst mistake, every time I tried to bleed it, I was lazy and only lifted the front driverside of the car, not exactly the smartest thing.

Bhj0887

Even with a power bleeder there needs to be fluid getting to the master cylinder.

BruceWard

Yes there does, but you put fluid in the power bleeder it keeps the reservior completely full until the power bleeder runs out of fluid. So the angle may not matter as much with a power bleeder.

You might try posting a message like "Need to borrow a power bleeder in NJ" and see what response you get or call around to some of the autoparts stores to see if they have a loaner. Most people do not use theirs more than once a year so it is not a tool that you really need to own, only have use of. I am trying to discipline myself to use mine twice a year. If we were not 1200 miles apart I would be happy to loan it to you.

Joe Jackson

I have a power bleeder and I'm in DE so depending on where in NJ you are, you could come pick it up today if you really wanted.

Bhj0887

Joe,
That's a little too far, I'm closer to Newark. But thanks for the offer.


I'd use it alot more than twice a year. I bleed the brakes at least 1 every couple of months on each of the three cars. I also do friends cars, so it would be worth buying. It's about $40 right?

Joe Jackson

This is what I have:

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/MIT-7220.html

Works very nicely although on the car I bought it to use it on (Eagle Talon), I had to inject into the hoses themselves after removing the reservoir b/c I couldn't get the nozzle into any of the ports. It should work much better on a 944 though.

pete944

The Motive bleeder is $45 from www.paragon-products.com
It's the best $45 I ever spent. You can bleed the clutch and completely change brake fluid in less than 15 minutes and it works every time.

Bhj0887

You should see the smile on my face. It's been months since I drove that car. It's hesitating a bit, but that's from a loose cam housing bolt (the hex thing on top). I'm going to enjoy driving the car again though...I know it.

Thanks for all the help

Joe Jackson

So what worked? Did you use a power bleeder or just jack the rear of the car or both?

Bhj0887

Jacked the rear of the car. Did it myself as a matter of fact, just stuck the other end of the hose in a bottle of brake fluid and started pumping the pedal. Took a nice little drive too until I blew the radio fuse and had no power brakes...What a fu*ked up design. I'm still happy though

Joe Jackson

Huh? The radio fuse has nothing to do with the power brakes which work off engine vacuum. Power doesn't always mean electricity (power steering also comes to mind). You might want to check your brake booster/hoses.