Changing clutch fluid

[mbaston]

Last winter I had problems with my clutch at low temps (-20 and below). It was very mushy and and slow. I planned to change out the fluid with synthetic, but found there is no bleed valve on the slave cylinder.



I could just empty out the master cylinder and replace it but I would still have the old fluid in the lines and slave.



Any ideas?

 

[rbattelle]

The clutch hydraulic system has no bleed because it is self-contained and not serviceable. If a problem develops in the system, a new system includes a new slave and master with the hose already attached. I would not recommend replacing the fluid.

 

[mbaston]

UGH. Does the new system come with fluid already installed and primed? What do us cold weather people do???



Marty

 

[rbattelle]

I don't know if the new system comes with fluid. The service manual says once the hydraulic line has been connected to the slave cylinder, it can never be disconnected. It says that in 2 places in big bold text. When they cover the installation of the master/slave assembly, they never mention putting fluid in it, so maybe it does come already full?

 

[SRadke]

Yes, the new system will come with fluid in it, pre primed. I just went through this with a 98. What I need to know is how to adjust where the clutch takes hold.



-Scott

 

[mbaston]

I guess my next question then is has anybody else had issues in very cold weather? I am curious if it will even work at -45 or colder.

 

[frijole]

Move to New Mexico????Oo.

 

[RobbieH]

I don't know if it holds true on the Dodge transmissions, but my experience with Jeep transmissions, especially the AX-5 and AX-15 has been that if you don't use either Girling or Castrol fluid, you'll end up with a leaky system. Again, don't know if it's true on the NV4500 and NV5600, but wanted to give you a heads up.