Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: TJMart on July 15, 2019, 20:01:23

Title: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: TJMart on July 15, 2019, 20:01:23
Can the clutch on my 1970 280SL be bled using a pressure tank bleeder and hooking it up to the fluid reservoir and using the slave bleed screw to force the air out? I have read the posts using the brake bleeder but wouldn't it be easier forcing the air down and out through the slave bleeder? Am I missing something?

Thanks
Title: Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: ja17 on July 15, 2019, 23:05:15
I usually pressure bleed the system from the from the slave cylinder bleeder. It probably can  be done from the reservoir also?
Title: Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: mbzse on July 16, 2019, 00:34:03
Quote from: ja17
I usually pressurize bleed the system from the from the slave cylinder bleeder.../...
I use this "from below" method also; never gotten all the air out when doing it from the top (reservoir), so...
Title: Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: Tomnistuff on July 16, 2019, 13:07:59
Mine was completely empty when I started.  I did it also from the bottom up with a pressure bleeder  It was one of the quickest and easiest jobs I have done.  I did it very slowly and at very low pressure.  I hooked the tank up with no pressure and slowly pumped the fluid into the bleeder until it rose through the system into the reservoir to the full mark with almost no bubbles.
Tom Kizer
Title: Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: rogerh113 on July 16, 2019, 13:57:58
Can anyone suggest a good brake bleeder kit.  I have always done it 'manually', but the wife is getting a bit fed up with that.....  Ready to try a pressure bleeder.

regards -- Roger
Title: Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: TJMart on July 16, 2019, 14:18:38
Thanks guys! Sounds like from the bottom up is the more acceptable way to go. One question, what happens to the air bubbles that remain in the reservoir? I purchased this bleeder to replace the fluid in my brakes through the reservoir and thought maybe it would work through my clutch reservoir.

https://www.motiveproducts.com/collections/import-power-bleeder-kits
Title: Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: rogerh113 on July 16, 2019, 15:39:55
When the job is finished, is the master cylinder reservoir overfilled?  I am wondering how this would avoid filling the reservoir to the max, and make a big mess when the reservoir element is removed.  Maybe that is not an issue - curious to know.  It looks like it could be a good solution otherwise.

I assume this can be used on the clutch as well?

thanks -- Roger
Title: Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: Minerva on July 16, 2019, 18:34:53
I usually bleed clutch cylinders from front brakes, connecting a tube from front bleed nipple to the clutch slave nipple, couple of pumps on the brake pedal clutch is bled. It's easier to get bubbles to go with gravity....

Awaiting comments about contamination......
Title: Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: Jack Jones on July 18, 2019, 02:40:05
I use an electric vacuum pump to perform all bleeding exercises and it works perfect every time. One man operation and have been doing this for years.
Title: Re: Bleeding Clutch with Pressure Bleeder
Post by: Rick Katucki on July 30, 2019, 23:04:08
Using the method described by Minerva - front caliper to clutch slave works!