Q&A for How to Bleed a Slave Cylinder

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  • Question
    There is no pressure on the clutch pedal, it is still on the floor. If I keep bleeding it, will the pedal rise?
    Community Answer
    You have to pull the clutch pedal up by hand on some vehicles when bleeding.
  • Question
    How do I bleed a Slave Cylinder if I don't have anyone to help me?
    Community Answer
    Use a tube and a glass. Fill the glass with the fluid and connect one end of the tube to the bleeder. Place the other end in the glass full of fluid. Now as you press on the clutch pedal, it will blow the air out, and when you let go of the pedal, it will only suck up more fluid instead of air.
  • Question
    Why is my new slave cylinder hissing air when I pump the clutch?
    Community Answer
    Check to make sure your bleeder valve is closed and the brake lines leading from the clutch master cylinder to the slave cylinder are in fact tight. If so, then most likely you still have air moving in the system. Bleed the system again, and check connections for leaks.
  • Question
    What do I do if I bleed the clutch, but the pedal is still soft and vibrates?
    Community Answer
    If the pedal is still soft, there is likely still air in the system. Continue to bleed it, or take it to a repair shop to have any leaks diagnosed.
  • Question
    Where is the clutch slave cylinder bleeder valve on a 2007 Ford Focus ST?
    Community Answer
    On a right-hand-drive vehicle, it's on the right-hand side; the nipple is at the top of the gear box, and it's pointing upward.
  • Question
    Why is there no pressure on the clutch pedal?
    Community Answer
    Because there is still air in there. Keep bleeding it until you feel the resistance is not getting any stronger. Then, you have reached the maximum. If you bleed and bleed and get no resistance, you have a leak somewhere.
  • Question
    What does it mean if my car will not start unless I slam my clutch pedal to the floor?
    Community Answer
    Your car should have a clutch pressure sensor in it, which only engages when enough pressure from the master cylinder signals that it can start. You might have to refill your car with fluid, because it may be low, and that's why it will not engage as easily.
  • Question
    How do I find the slave cylinder on my GMC vehicle?
    Community Answer
    It is probably an internal slave cylinder, which means it's inside the bell housing.
  • Question
    Do I need to bleed the brakes if slave cylinder shares the brake master cylinder?
    Community Answer
    Most cars where this is the case have a plastic divider in the brake fluid reservoir, so even if the 'clutch half' of the reservoir has air in it or has completely emptied during bleeding, the 'brake half' of the reservoir still contains fluid and doesn't allow air to enter the brake system. This is also a safety measure: in the event of a leaking clutch system, at least your brakes keep working.
  • Question
    I am bleeding the clutch, but now have lost all pressure. What went wrong?
    Community Answer
    Go through all the joints. There could be some leaks, or you were not able to bleed it properly. Try bleeding it again til all the air in the tube is gone, and always monitor the fluid level in your reservoir.
  • Question
    What do I do if it's hard to go into gear still, even after bleeding the master cylinder?
    Community Answer
    You still have air in the system. You can remove the master cylinder and assembly to burp the system, then reinstall and gravity bleed the slave cylinder. There are videos on YouTube you can watch if you're not sure how to do it.
  • Question
    I replaced my clutch, and now for some reason the hose that brings fluid to the throw out bearing keeps popping out as I build pressure on my clutch pedal. How can I fix it?
    Community Answer
    The flare on the end of the tube may have been damaged or corroded. Inspect the end of the tube to ensure that there is a nice even flare all of the way around. If you see any of the above symptoms, either cut and reflare the end, if the tube is long enough to do so, or replace the tube. Additionally, make sure that there is no debris or obstruction where the tube connects and that the threads are not damaged.
  • Question
    How do I bleed a slave cylinder that doesn't have a bleed screw, but has a nipple?
    Community Answer
    Remove nipple and replace with bleed screw. To ensure correct thread, take nipple with you to brake & clutch shop for thread comparison.
  • Question
    What is the reason for using a container when bleeding?
    Community Answer
    It’s not a must but it’s an option for catching the brake fluid so it doesn’t get all over your engine and onto the floor.
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