xny1989

iTrader: (1)

got a 99 z28 with 130,000 miles. Probably has original clutch and everything in there. While driving today, suddenly the pedal goes to the floor and I have to really push on the shifter to get the car in gear. Got it home and checked fluid level, and it looks fine, so I'm assuming the clutch master needs to be replaced. Does that sound about right (no fluid leak that I can see).

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

No leaks? Sounds like the clutch master is done in.

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

Looking around for replacements, I'm amazed at the variation of replacements available, ranging from ~$30 - $330! Given that all the parts of my cylinder are OLD, it makes sense to get the kit with all the hoses, which gets me into the ~$200 range. At that price point, they are not adjustable and have the roll-pin hose connection, and am assuming that I would need to do the drill mod for increased fluid flow. For another ~$100, I can get the adjustable masters with no need for drill mod. My camaro is a daily driver, so don't see the value of an adjustable master. Sound about right?

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

Yeah I would just run the stock one in your case. I installed the adjustable one from Tick Performance and have been pleased with it so far.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

Lets hope it's the clutch master and not the slave cylinder. If it is the slave then your going to have to remove the transmission. Have you pulled a vacuum on the master cylinder to see if your pulling any air from the system?

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

Will be going under the car a little later today. How would I do what you suggested? I have a mighty-vac, but where would I do that test?

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

Pull the fill cap off and run your hose with the proper fitting from your kit down into the reservoir. Then start pulling vacuum and see if your pulling any bubbles from the system. You will want to keep removing the bubbles and adding fluid until it's filled up and no bubbles. You may also want to bleed the slave cylinder and to do this will require a second person to assist you.

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the info.

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

OK, got under the car, removed the two heat shields (clutch line and brake lines) to look around. Bear in mind this is a 99 camaro with a borg warner 6-speed. I can easily see where the braided line from the master goes into the trans, but I see no bleed screw or bolt anywhere, other than what looks like one of the bolts holding the front cover on the trans. It's perpendicular (facing towards front of car) to the MC line.
Does my trans have a slave bleed accessible without dropping the trans?

Also, kind of surprised that the reservoir only holds a couple of ounces of fluid. Sucked it out and replaced 4 times, dark black each time. Pedal released (it was stuck to the floor) and was able to pump up and it returned back up each time. Did not start car nor try to see if it's working again.

When I replace it, it seems that the best option is to bench bleed the MC to keep fluid in the line, keeping the reservoir higher and then attach the hose to the trans. Then install the rest and do the mighty-vac thing.

Just watched this video - now I know where to look for the slave bleed screw at minute 3:54 It also shows how the mighty-vac bleeding works.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

Yes the video explains it all!

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

He explains how to bleed the slave in the beginning of the video. The bleed screw on the slave is the 4-5" rod that's next to the connection from the slave to the clutch master cylinder.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

Here is a picture of a slave cylinder.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

Best easiest way I've ever bled the clutch is to use the remote bleeder - it's 3' of hose off the slave and a bleeder on the end. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid, crack the bleeder and zip tie it so the open end is in the reservoir.

Have someone just watch the reservoir for air bubbles and start pumping.

When you stop getting bubbles, pump for another minute or two to be sure, close the bleeder, and test the clutch

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

Ordered the Wagner MC from Rock. Good news, found the bleeder. Bad news, dropped a 5/16" socket into the gap underneath the bleeder screw! Am I screwed and now have to drop the trans to get the socket out?

2ToeRacing

iTrader: (5)

Yeah, my clutch master just started fukin up, what cam I say it is 16yrs old. I'll probably go with a factory GM. My car is stock plus I don't want to spend 350.00 for a Tick.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

You can try to fish it out with a magnet before going to the trouble to drop the tranny.

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

That was my thought last nite.

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

removed the MC today. Those star washers really make it more of a challenge to remove it. Will do the drill mod tomorrow, and awaiting a tool to try and fish out that socket

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

Two agonizing days of trying to get this @#@% installed!!! Got it bolted in, finally. Had to bend the inner sheet metal piece out of the way as it blocked u-bolt from coming into the passenger compartment. I may try and get that back in place once my patience returns (LOL). Got the tools to fish out the errant 5/16" socket from the bell housing, which I will do tomorrow (retirement is a good thing), then get the MC connected to the slave and have fun with the bleeding process. I plan on using my Motiv pressure bleeder, but have the wife on standby, and need to figure out where I put my mighty-vac.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

What I did was open the reservoir where you add fluid. Put some rags around it so you don't spill any onto the paint. Remove the rubber plunger inside the reservoir and fill it with fluid. Take your Mighty vac setup and find the right fitting to insert down into the bottom of the reservoir and start pulling vacuum.

As you draw the air from the system it will be replaced with the fluid. I would press the clutch pedal in a couple of times also to move any trapped air. Just keep pulling a vacuum and adding fluid until you are drawing only fluid into the Mighty Vac line to its reservoir and no more air bubbles.

To bleed the slave will take two people but if you can find something to hold the clutch pedal down it can be done by yourself.

Procedure:

1) Open bleed screw
2) Press in the clutch pedal and hold
3) Close bleed screw
4) Let off the clutch pedal

Repeat this procedure to get any air that may be trapped in the slave cylinder. You will most likely need to add more fluid to you MC reservoir once your done bleeding the slave. Hope this helps!