The reason to bleed any hydraulic system is to remove all the air bubbles
from the system. Liquids, such as brake/clutch fluid, for all intents and
purposes, are not compressible. However, if there is air in the system, it
will compress, or become smaller, when the pedal is pressed. The pedal will
feel soft, moving without moving the piston in the slave cylinder enough to
allow release of the clutch disc.
Where is the air in the system and how do we get it out? Air in the
hydraulic system will always go to the highest point. In this case, it would
be stuck in the highest point of the pipe between the master cylinder and the
slave cylinder. Bleed the hydraulic system in the usual way with a hose to
the bleed screw on the slave cylinder and immersed in brake fluid in a clean
container.
After you have moved about half a pint of Castrol/Girling brake fluid(do
not use anything else) through the system, release the clutch pedal. Then
close the bleed screw and use the rod on the front of the slave cylinder to
push the piston back into the cylinder. This will cause the bubbles in the
highest point of the pipe to be pushed back into the master cylinder and out
of your hydraulic system into the atmosphere. Wait a few seconds. Your
should now have a firm pedal. If not, push the slave cylinder piston back
into the body without bleeding the system again.
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British Car Specialist 2060 N. Wilson Way Stockton Ca 95205
209-948-8767 (fax# 948-1030) Healey Doc@aol.com
Technical books by Norman Nock avalilable for the MG and Healey.
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