Bleeding Clutch....FAIL!!!! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

blazzin1 · 05-03-2013, 10:10 PM

You know, I'm not a master engine builder, or a certified ASE automotive mechanic, but I do sort of pride myself on being able to do most of the work on my own car. Well, this evening, I had my butt kicked by the supposedly simple task of bleeding my clutch!!! I had the commonly complained about 2nd gear grind, with a little bit of 3rd gear grind added in there too. So, I thought I would attempt to bleed out my clutch before spending money on an Ideal Garage Clutch Master Cylinder. I even watched the videos on YouTube that IdealG made showing how to do it. Ummmm...not quite as easy as it looks!!! Wow....what a royal pain in the @$$!!! First off, the little rubber cap that covers the bleed fitting....when trying to remove it, well of course it dropped down inside the bell housing!!! Crap!!! I guess all I can do it hope it doesn't interfere with anything and hopefully someday it will blow out the bottom vents??? Next, trying to get a tiny 8mm wrench on the bleed fitting positioned at about 10 o'clock is damn near impossible. The fitting is recessed just far enough into the housing that trying to get a bite on it with that tiny wrench is very difficult to say the least. With only about 1" between the bell housing and the transmission tunnel heat shield, getting the hose on the fitting is even a chore, I had to use some very long pliers to try and push the hose over the fitting, while trying not to knock the wrench off of it. Man, finally, got everything in position, squeeze my hand up there to turn the wrench. Get a little bit of a turn, and I hear gurgling noise and see fluid starting to enter the hose. All is great, until the freakin' damn hose comes off the fitting!!!

I quickly try to close the fitting, but now I've got brake fluid dripping out of the bottom vents on the bell housing!!!

Okay, that's enough for me, I'm getting pissed now. Can't get the wrench back on the fitting to make sure it's closed good, had to use a ratchet and socket. I was worried sick about dropping the socket down in there too!!! Luckily, that didn't happen. So, I get everything closed up, and thought well maybe that little bit of gurgling was enough to get rid of my grinding issues....NOPE, still doing it!!

Well, I'm not messing with it, at least not until I have a better method of doing this!!! I guess it will just have to grind a bit until then. And someday....if I ever have the transmission out, I will definitely be installing the Tick Performance Remote Clutch Bleed Hose without a doubt!!! Not sure what to do now. Maybe one of those offset/angled wrenches would help??? Maybe even go buy a cheap wrench and see if I can modify it to get a better angle on it??? Anyone have any advice or pointers?

Okay.....End Rant!! Thanks for listening!!!

RxDoc08 · 05-05-2013, 06:56 AM

I ended up with the same problem as you and not being able to get a small wrench to fit. I went to a local harbor freight store and bought the cheapest set of offset metric wrenches I could find and they worked great. They were long enough to be able to turn from the side of the transmission instead of having to try and get my hand near the top, and I was able to get the job done in a matter of minutes. While the wrenches weren't pretty, they got the job done. Just be careful if you go this route and inspect the wrenches before purchase. Some packages had wrenches missing teeth or out of round. Here's a link to the ones I bought. http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece...set-32042.html

blazzin1 · 05-05-2013, 08:18 AM

Thanks for the advice....I'll probably give that a try!!

BigMatt · 05-05-2013, 09:17 AM

When the time comes to remove the tranny, definitely invest in the tick speed bleeder. It's worth its weight in gold.

Irnwkrkev · 05-05-2013, 09:49 AM

Try installing the remote bleeder without pulling the trans! I was using my cellphone to take pics of what position the wrench was in and how far from the bleed tube.

Much better with it but my luck, the speed bleeder doesn't work so it's still a two person job, but MUCH easier!

danielblack60 · 07-02-2013, 09:59 PM

Buy a cheap hand vacuum pump kit. Pull about 20 inches of vacuum at the reservoir and pump the clutch pedal 15 to 20 times. You will have to pull up on the pedal because of the vacuum being on the system. Release the vacuum and you're good to go! I've been bleeding them that way ever since the 5th gen came out and I've never had an issue. It really makes it easy!

Just remember to pump up your brakes afterward if you still have the clutch system married with the brake reservoir! Sometimes it's enough vacuum to compress your caliper pistons.

It seems like it shouldn't be that easy but it really is. I couldn't believe how well it worked.

sting808 · 07-03-2013, 02:22 AM

I used a borescope with a wireless receiver screen to install my remote bleeder. Positioned the camera and used the screen for the install. You won't realize the convenience of the remote bleeder until you use it. Same goes for the borescope.

ITGuy11 · 07-03-2013, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielblack60

Buy a cheap hand vacuum pump kit. Pull about 20 inches of vacuum at the reservoir and pump the clutch pedal 15 to 20 times. You will have to pull up on the pedal because of the vacuum being on the system. Release the vacuum and you're good to go! I've been bleeding them that way ever since the 5th gen came out and I've never had an issue. It really makes it easy!

Just remember to pump up your brakes afterward if you still have the clutch system married with the brake reservoir! Sometimes it's enough vacuum to compress your caliper pistons.

It seems like it shouldn't be that easy but it really is. I couldn't believe how well it worked.

What do you use to seal the hose from the vacuum pump to the fluid reservoir to pull the vacuum?

CHMSC · 07-03-2013, 10:24 PM

I have done it several times. Is it easy? Eehhh not really but once you get the hang of it, it can be done fairly easily. I suggest going in head first from the passenger side. Feet by the passenger door. I snake my arms up there and get the wrench in, tube then bleed. I use a little 12 point 8 mm wrench. Mine never had the rubber cap. Hope that helps man.

blazzin1 · 07-04-2013, 09:49 AM

I did get my clutch bled out finally. I used my Motive Power Bleeder and I went out and bought a long reach brake bleed wrench with the angled ends on it, and it made the whole process a lot easier. It helped get rid of "some" of the grinding, but not all. I think I'll be making the purchase of the Ideal G Clutch Master Cylinder sometime soon, and the Tick Performance clutch line.

xjer22x · 07-04-2013, 09:57 AM

Damn, all I can say is my tick performance remote bleeder was worth every penny..I strongly recommend it to avoid the headache in the future.

sent from my galaxy s3. that would explain the errors.

MA2010SS · 07-05-2013, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xjer22x

Damn, all I can say is my tick performance remote bleeder was worth every penny..I strongly recommend it to avoid the headache in the future.

sent from my galaxy s3. that would explain the errors.

ArmySStrong513 · 05-31-2020, 07:03 AM

I bled the brakes and clutch fluid on my 2010 SS and to be honest it’s not as bad as I was thinking it would be. The hardest part of the whole process is positioning yourself underneath the car to access the bleeder on the transmission. Unfortunately I did drop the bleeder cap into the transmission but thankfully I found it later when I moved the car so it must’ve worked it’s way out by jacking up the car. I used a motive brake bleeder kit to do all of this with clear tubing purchased from Lowe’s 3/16 inner diameter 5/16 outer diameter. Worked like a charm and I can gladly go into further details if anyone is attempting to try this themselves. Glad I changed my brake fluid out, it was damn near BLACK.

George-CZ · 05-31-2020, 01:55 PM

I know exactly what you're talking about.
And since the change of fluid in the clutch circuit is a regular annual operation...

So when I replaced the clutch (about a month after buying a car), I installed a remote bleeder.

Now I sit comfortably inside the car, bring the remote deaerator through the open door, drink Coke and change the fluid in the clutch.
Nothing problem

05-03-2013, 10:10 PM	#1
blazzin1 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS R6P Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: St. Cloud, FL Posts: 4,845 View My Garage	Bleeding Clutch....FAIL!!!! You know, I'm not a master engine builder, or a certified ASE automotive mechanic, but I do sort of pride myself on being able to do most of the work on my own car. Well, this evening, I had my butt kicked by the supposedly simple task of bleeding my clutch!!! I had the commonly complained about 2nd gear grind, with a little bit of 3rd gear grind added in there too. So, I thought I would attempt to bleed out my clutch before spending money on an Ideal Garage Clutch Master Cylinder. I even watched the videos on YouTube that IdealG made showing how to do it. Ummmm...not quite as easy as it looks!!! Wow....what a royal pain in the @$$!!! First off, the little rubber cap that covers the bleed fitting....when trying to remove it, well of course it dropped down inside the bell housing!!! Crap!!! I guess all I can do it hope it doesn't interfere with anything and hopefully someday it will blow out the bottom vents??? Next, trying to get a tiny 8mm wrench on the bleed fitting positioned at about 10 o'clock is damn near impossible. The fitting is recessed just far enough into the housing that trying to get a bite on it with that tiny wrench is very difficult to say the least. With only about 1" between the bell housing and the transmission tunnel heat shield, getting the hose on the fitting is even a chore, I had to use some very long pliers to try and push the hose over the fitting, while trying not to knock the wrench off of it. Man, finally, got everything in position, squeeze my hand up there to turn the wrench. Get a little bit of a turn, and I hear gurgling noise and see fluid starting to enter the hose. All is great, until the freakin' damn hose comes off the fitting!!! I quickly try to close the fitting, but now I've got brake fluid dripping out of the bottom vents on the bell housing!!! Okay, that's enough for me, I'm getting pissed now. Can't get the wrench back on the fitting to make sure it's closed good, had to use a ratchet and socket. I was worried sick about dropping the socket down in there too!!! Luckily, that didn't happen. So, I get everything closed up, and thought well maybe that little bit of gurgling was enough to get rid of my grinding issues....NOPE, still doing it!! Well, I'm not messing with it, at least not until I have a better method of doing this!!! I guess it will just have to grind a bit until then. And someday....if I ever have the transmission out, I will definitely be installing the Tick Performance Remote Clutch Bleed Hose without a doubt!!! Not sure what to do now. Maybe one of those offset/angled wrenches would help??? Maybe even go buy a cheap wrench and see if I can modify it to get a better angle on it??? Anyone have any advice or pointers? Okay.....End Rant!! Thanks for listening!!!

05-05-2013, 06:56 AM	#2
RxDoc08 Jason Drives: 2011 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Richmond, Va Posts: 341	I ended up with the same problem as you and not being able to get a small wrench to fit. I went to a local harbor freight store and bought the cheapest set of offset metric wrenches I could find and they worked great. They were long enough to be able to turn from the side of the transmission instead of having to try and get my hand near the top, and I was able to get the job done in a matter of minutes. While the wrenches weren't pretty, they got the job done. Just be careful if you go this route and inspect the wrenches before purchase. Some packages had wrenches missing teeth or out of round. Here's a link to the ones I bought. http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece...set-32042.html __________________ Kook's headers w/ high flow cats, Borla S-Type, VMAX ported throttle body, CAI Inc. intake, Jannetty race scoop, Roto-Fab washer bottle relocation, Jannetty rough idle blower cam, DSS 9" w/ 3.70 gears, RPM Level 6 trans, Street Slayer Twin Carbon clutch, MGW Shifter, Pfadt trailing arms.

05-05-2013, 09:17 AM	#4
BigMatt 2010 Camaro 2 SS/RS M6 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS/RS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Clayton Delaware Posts: 1,218 View My Garage	When the time comes to remove the tranny, definitely invest in the tick speed bleeder. It's worth its weight in gold. __________________ Forged LS3, FED M311 heads, CAI Inc, ARH 1 7/8, Corsa Xtreme, Taylor Wires, MGW Shifter, Street slayer twin carbon clutch, Tick braided clutch line & speed bleeder, ZL1 Diff Swap, BMR Split drop, Sway Bars, Trailing Arms, Toe Rods, Pro bushing kit, Carslyle racing 15in conversion, Whipple, LPE dual fuel pumps, Rx catch can, Id1300x, Alky Control

07-02-2013, 09:59 PM	#6
danielblack60 Drives: 2016 Camaro 1SS A8, 1998 K1500 5spd Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Russell Springs, Kentucky Posts: 172 View My Garage	Buy a cheap hand vacuum pump kit. Pull about 20 inches of vacuum at the reservoir and pump the clutch pedal 15 to 20 times. You will have to pull up on the pedal because of the vacuum being on the system. Release the vacuum and you're good to go! I've been bleeding them that way ever since the 5th gen came out and I've never had an issue. It really makes it easy! Just remember to pump up your brakes afterward if you still have the clutch system married with the brake reservoir! Sometimes it's enough vacuum to compress your caliper pistons. It seems like it shouldn't be that easy but it really is. I couldn't believe how well it worked. __________________ *2016 1SS A8-12.100 @115 Bone Stock. 11.54 @116 with cat delete, converter and dr's Previous Rides 2010 Camaro 1SS M6-12.14 @114 Bolt Ons 2014 GMC Sierra SLT 5.3/6L80

07-03-2013, 10:24 PM	#9
CHMSC ROAD COURSE JUNKIE Drives: 2012 SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Somewhere Posts: 4,868 View My Garage	I have done it several times. Is it easy? Eehhh not really but once you get the hang of it, it can be done fairly easily. I suggest going in head first from the passenger side. Feet by the passenger door. I snake my arms up there and get the wrench in, tube then bleed. I use a little 12 point 8 mm wrench. Mine never had the rubber cap. Hope that helps man. __________________

05-05-2013, 08:18 AM	#3
blazzin1 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS R6P Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: St. Cloud, FL Posts: 4,845 View My Garage	Thanks for the advice....I'll probably give that a try!!

05-05-2013, 09:49 AM	#5
Irnwkrkev Drives: 2011 SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Miami Posts: 528	Try installing the remote bleeder without pulling the trans! I was using my cellphone to take pics of what position the wrench was in and how far from the bleed tube. Much better with it but my luck, the speed bleeder doesn't work so it's still a two person job, but MUCH easier!

07-03-2013, 02:22 AM	#7
sting808 Drives: 2010 SS RS Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 930	I used a borescope with a wireless receiver screen to install my remote bleeder. Positioned the camera and used the screen for the install. You won't realize the convenience of the remote bleeder until you use it. Same goes for the borescope.

07-04-2013, 09:49 AM	#10
blazzin1 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS R6P Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: St. Cloud, FL Posts: 4,845 View My Garage	I did get my clutch bled out finally. I used my Motive Power Bleeder and I went out and bought a long reach brake bleed wrench with the angled ends on it, and it made the whole process a lot easier. It helped get rid of "some" of the grinding, but not all. I think I'll be making the purchase of the Ideal G Clutch Master Cylinder sometime soon, and the Tick Performance clutch line.

07-04-2013, 09:57 AM	#11
xjer22x Drives: 2010 rs/ss black # 10,308 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: hoffman estates, il Posts: 914 View My Garage	Damn, all I can say is my tick performance remote bleeder was worth every penny..I strongly recommend it to avoid the headache in the future. sent from my galaxy s3. that would explain the errors. __________________ SYCK SS BUILD JOURNAL- Click here

05-31-2020, 07:03 AM	#13
ArmySStrong513 Drives: Chevrolet Camaro Join Date: May 2019 Location: Chicago Posts: 4	I bled the brakes and clutch fluid on my 2010 SS and to be honest it’s not as bad as I was thinking it would be. The hardest part of the whole process is positioning yourself underneath the car to access the bleeder on the transmission. Unfortunately I did drop the bleeder cap into the transmission but thankfully I found it later when I moved the car so it must’ve worked it’s way out by jacking up the car. I used a motive brake bleeder kit to do all of this with clear tubing purchased from Lowe’s 3/16 inner diameter 5/16 outer diameter. Worked like a charm and I can gladly go into further details if anyone is attempting to try this themselves. Glad I changed my brake fluid out, it was damn near BLACK.

05-31-2020, 01:55 PM	#14
George-CZ Drives: 2010 2SS LS3 and 1978 STROKER 383 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,592	I know exactly what you're talking about. And since the change of fluid in the clutch circuit is a regular annual operation... So when I replaced the clutch (about a month after buying a car), I installed a remote bleeder. Now I sit comfortably inside the car, bring the remote deaerator through the open door, drink Coke and change the fluid in the clutch. Nothing problem