Bleeding Clutch Fluid

[OB_Booker]

The Mighty Vac is basically just a suction device. You put a hose over the nipple, pump it up to create the suction/vacumm effect, open the bleeder screw/nut and fluid will be sucked out of the system.

It worked like a charm on my ZX-11, but I'm not really sure how this Zook system works. I've definitely gotta look in my service manual.

 

[OB_WARBIRD]

Sounds like you are doing it right to me Booker. Never tried it Num Nuts way, why dont you have someone hold the clutch lever in while you crack open the bleeder, after the mighty vac is pumped up and ready to go of course. Pump up vac,have friend hold clutch lever,open bleeder valve. Ive always done it your way, but Id sure try Num Nuts way if it isnt working like usual. If you dont have a mighty vac i've always used GSXRboys method/[pump,hold,crack open,close,release].

[This message has been edited by WARBIRD (edited 24 July 2000).]

[This message has been edited by WARBIRD (edited 24 July 2000).]

 

[OB_Booker]

After changing my oil on Saturday (Mobil 1 MX4T 10W-40 @ 4,000 miles great stuff, much smoother shifting, cooler engine temperature, smoother running engine, quieter engine.) I decided to try and bleed my clutch fluid to get that nasty brown/black stuff out, problem is...I couldn't figure out how to bleed the system. I tried to bleed the system from the nipple on the clutch slave, but it didn't seem to want to bleed. It just felt like the whole nipple wanted to come out. I didn't really see a bleed screw/nut. I looked at the brake bleed nipple and it looks the same. How in the hell to you bleed the systems on this bike. I had a ZX-11 before and they each had a bleed screw/nut. Open to bleed and close. I'm no idiot when it comes to wrench, but I feel like one.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[OB_Booker]

huh?

 

[OB_GSXRboy]

Either use a power bleeder, like I do, they only cost a couple bucks or you can do it the hard way:
First I usually pump the clutch a few times and crack the banjo bolt going into the reservoir itself and get all the air out of the line. Then I'll keep pumping/holding the clutch lever and cracking the lower bleed screw on the sprocket cover.

 

[OB_NumbNuts]

The way I did it.

clear tube on bleed nipple on clutch slave cylinder into 1/4 full jamjar of clean brake fluid (ensure end is fully submerged.)

top off fluid reservoir.

hold clutch in, undo nipple
Do nipple up, let clutch out
pump clutch a few times.

repeat from begining
DO NOT LET RESERVOIR GO DRY

( when emptying fluid only do nipple up hand tight so you can undo it again without spanner (8mm ring is best))
when fluid in reservoir gets close to end add a bit of new fluid. bleed a bit more, add a bit of new, bled more etc. carry on untill all the fluid in the reservoir and that coming out of the end is clear. FIll reservoir up. bleed as before, but tighten nipple with spanner inbetween operations to ensure no ingress of air. when fluid coming out of nipple has no air in it, jobs a good 'un

If reservoir does go dry you will first have to bleed from the top banjo with the handle bars turned to the left. carful not to splash fluid over everything as you turn them with the top off.......(trust me on this one!!!!!!)

Easier way is speed bleeder. !! but that costs more money and, if like me, bike is only form of transport, how do you go to get it if the clutch and / or brakes don't work??!!!

I think that just about covers it...anyone add anymore to simplify the process??

Nuts

 

[OB_bennie byrd]

THE BEST WAY I FOUND TO DO IT IS, PURCHASE A MIGHTY VAC FROM LOCKHART PHLLIPS. IT'S VERY EASY TO USE .IT SUCKS ALL THE FLUID OUT AT THE FITTING, AND ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS KEEP REFILLING WITH BRAKE FLUID.

......BB

 

[OB_Booker]

I am using the Mighty VAC, but I can't figure out the damn bleed nipple screw. When I undo the screw it feels like the whole nipple is going to come out. What gives?

 

[OB_GSXRboy]

You should just be taking the bleed screw out a turn or two. Are you trying to back it way out maybe? I usually just crack it and hook up the bleeder nipple...

 

[OB_NumbNuts]

a turn or two???

make that under 1/4 turn!!!from hard in for mine!!

Nuts

 

[OB_Booker]

I turned that screw at least a quarter turn and got no fluid. I'll try it again.

Does the nipple feel like it's wobbling around in its fitting? That scared me so I buttoned it back up. I gotta get that crap out of there. Maybe I'll do it later in the week. I'm going to take a look at the service manual.

 

[OB_NumbNuts]

Booker, you were holding the clutch lever in when you undid the nipple right??

Just checking....

 

[OB_Booker]

No I wasn't! I had my Mighty Vac hooked up.

 

[Guest]

Booker... I met you at the Ephrata Sport Bike breakfast...

Get a "Mighty Vac" cost about $25. It's the slickest little tool you ever saw. Just follow the instructions. It's useful for solving vacuum problems too. RobBase, the other guy you met, turned me on to it.

 

[OB_NumbNuts]

I'm not familiar with the workings of the mighty vac, but if the clutch aint held in am I not rightin thinking that no fluid can escape, rubber washers and all that???