If I were in your position I'd make sure it's topped up, and sit it for a day or two somewhere very warm (like near a radiator) with the reservoir directly above the master cylinder and the pipe absolutely straight. That way if there's any air between the master and reservoir, it can rise out.
If there's air trapped in the pipe, and you fit it and pump the pedal right away, there's a chance the air could get into the master-slave pipe, where it can't be removed.
Note for others: I wouldn't bother doing this with a new part, or one swapped straight from another car
Clutch pedal dropped
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Re: Clutch pedal dropped
<steve_earwig> I think this forum is more about keeping our cars going with minimal outlay than giving our cars more reason to go bang
Re: Clutch pedal dropped
Hello.Re the hydraulic clutch system.You definitely need fluid in the reservoir.If there isnt any and you pump the clutch pedal you will get air in the system.Fit the reservoir/master cylinder without the cap ( just lever it off) then fill with fluid.If you have a second hand system you have a problem.The actuating rod in the slave cylinder
takes up the wear on the clutch by means of a non return valve in the master cylinder.You cannot push the rod back into the slave cylinder to "start again".You can bleed the system
but you will have to cut the pipe at a suitable (accessible) place.You will need a compression fitting to rejoin it ..8 mm I think but not to sure.Push the slave rod back into the slave cylinder as far as it will go,keep the end of the pipe as high as possible to prevent any air getting in it .When you push the rod back in the cylinder fluid will be ejected out of the end of the pipe.This is a messy business,a pair of old overalls are useful to catch the fluid.Brim the master cylinder and pump fluid through until it is clear of air,again a messy business....TWO man job this..keep the reservoir full and the end of the pipe as high as possible.Fit the joint to one end of the pipe.Carefully fit the other end of the pipe and tighten the compression fittings.One man then pumps the clutch the other guides the slave cylinder rod into its position on the clutch withdrawal lever.KEEP THE RESERVOIR TOPPED UP the slave will take quite a bit of fluid.When finished with the reservoir three quaters full put the cap back on.If there is still a bit of air in the system slacken of one end of the compression joint,force the slave cylinder push rod back into the slave,sqeezing fluid and air out of the loose joint.Tighten joint,repeat procedure above,keeping the reservoir topped up.Plenty messy.To prevent any chance of the compression joint popping it is possible to rig some sort of home made clamp that squeezes the pipe either side of the joint.If you use the push fit plastic type connectors they will,in my experience ,eventually fail.
takes up the wear on the clutch by means of a non return valve in the master cylinder.You cannot push the rod back into the slave cylinder to "start again".You can bleed the system
but you will have to cut the pipe at a suitable (accessible) place.You will need a compression fitting to rejoin it ..8 mm I think but not to sure.Push the slave rod back into the slave cylinder as far as it will go,keep the end of the pipe as high as possible to prevent any air getting in it .When you push the rod back in the cylinder fluid will be ejected out of the end of the pipe.This is a messy business,a pair of old overalls are useful to catch the fluid.Brim the master cylinder and pump fluid through until it is clear of air,again a messy business....TWO man job this..keep the reservoir full and the end of the pipe as high as possible.Fit the joint to one end of the pipe.Carefully fit the other end of the pipe and tighten the compression fittings.One man then pumps the clutch the other guides the slave cylinder rod into its position on the clutch withdrawal lever.KEEP THE RESERVOIR TOPPED UP the slave will take quite a bit of fluid.When finished with the reservoir three quaters full put the cap back on.If there is still a bit of air in the system slacken of one end of the compression joint,force the slave cylinder push rod back into the slave,sqeezing fluid and air out of the loose joint.Tighten joint,repeat procedure above,keeping the reservoir topped up.Plenty messy.To prevent any chance of the compression joint popping it is possible to rig some sort of home made clamp that squeezes the pipe either side of the joint.If you use the push fit plastic type connectors they will,in my experience ,eventually fail.