Brake/clutch fluid flush

[RupertPupkin]

I just purchased the motive products speed bleeder. Should I flush the brake fluid first, or start with the clutch first? I have a speed bleeder for the clutch.

Is it as easy as pressurize the pump, and open the speed bleeder for the clutch?

[acammer]

I would strongly recommend moving the clutch fluid to it's own reservoir, as that tends to contaminate much faster than the brake fluid. Then they can be maintained separately, as needed. For me, I use a remote bleeder under the hood for the clutch hydraulics, which has a 1-way speed bleeder on it. I crack that, and drain it to a temp catch can, and then cycle the clutch a few times till the reservoir it pretty low. Then I clean the reservoir out as best I can with a towel, and then fill it fresh, and cycle the clutch some more. I repeat that several times to get fresh fluid throughout the system.

In the absence of a stand-alone reservoir for the clutch fluid I don't know that the order matters much. I'd probably go after the clutch first, since that's the dirtiest part of the system.

[RupertPupkin]

Thanks. I was contemplating on getting the reservoir, but I do t really track the car. More puttin around town or the occasional Mexico pulls.

[gtstorey]

Originally Posted by RupertPupkin

Thanks. I was contemplating on getting the reservoir, but I do t really track the car. More puttin around town or the occasional Mexico pulls.

Not sure the separate reservoir really has anything to do with tracking or not tracking the car.

[acammer]

Originally Posted by gtstorey

Not sure the separate reservoir really has anything to do with tracking or not tracking the car.

IMO, a remote reservoir and remote speed bleeder on the clutch hydraulics are great additions to any enthusiasts car, be it just a fun cruiser or a track warrior. The remote reservoir gives you the ability to easily monitor the clutch (and brake) fluid independently. For the conditions my car sees, I tend to pollute the clutch fluid much quicker than the brake fluid, and so with the remote bleeder and reservoir it's easy to maintain that separately.

These cars have somewhat of a reputation for clutch problems, but really that's pretty much all related to the hydraulic system. Anything you can do to improve that system and it's serviceability helps mitigate that, and is a win in my book.

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by gtstorey

Not sure the separate reservoir really has anything to do with tracking or not tracking the car.

Don't really beat up on the car.

I know on my Z, the clutch stuck to the floor during hat shifts. Fluid was clean.