Expert: Josh Fields - 4/30/2006

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hello,

    I am the owner of a 1993 318i 4 cylinder convertible and I am trying to find out how to bleed the hydraulic clutch system. I hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks
Samantha

Dear Josh,

    Thanks for responding so fast.  How do I know if the slave cylinder needs to be replaced?  We followed the procedures that you recommended and were unable to get a strong pedal.

Thanks Again
Samantha
Samantha,
 It's a pretty simple job.

 First you need to raise the car and support it with Jack Stands for safety.  Have a friend carefully sit in the car, pump the clutch pedal for you.  The friend should pump about 10 times and the HOLD THE PEDAL DOWN.  You are under the car, find the slave cylinder, which should be on the side of the transmission.  There will be a small bolt sticking off the side that has a hole in it.  When you turn this, it will let clutch fluid exit.  

 So have your friend pump the clutch 10-15 times, and hold the pedal down.  You open this valve, release the fluid, and then tighten the bolt back down.  The person pumping the clutch pedal should NOT move the pedal until the bolt is tight.  If he/she moves the pedal while you have the valve open, it will suck air into the system, which is why you are bleeding it anyways.

 Keep an eye on the fluid in the mastercylinder, dont let it get too low.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh

Answer
Samantha,
 Are you loosing fluid?  That's the main factor in determining if the slave cylinder is bad.  If you are loosing fluid it could be a leak in the lines, the mastercylinder is leaking (where you put the fluid in).  or the slave cylinder.

 Try to locate any wet spots and that could possibly be the area.

 Good luck,
 Josh