About Rick O. Expertise Classic, aircooled (rear engine) 1949-1979 VW's, specializing in electrical problems, fuel injection, and Type 181 "The Thing".
NOTE: I have limited experience on water-cooled VWs (Rabbit, Golf, Jetta, etc...) but I am glad to help to the extent of my knowledge, due to the fact there are currently no other experts registered for these models.
Experience 15 years of aircooled VW ownership and maintenance.
Publications Wikipedia, VW Beetle
Education/Credentials Retired US military Electronics Tech/Master Training Specialist, Civilian Computer engineer.
Question A rear brake cylinder was replaced by me and the clutch started acting up. I know they share a resevoir so did air get into the clutch side and if so, how do I get it out?
Answer Allan,
Yes, very likely there is air in the lines. There are several methods to remove it:
1) You need a friend to pump (several times) and hold the clutch down while someone releases the pressure (and air) from the clutch slave cylinder bleeder valve. Fluid and air is released and caught in a container, and the valve is immediately closed. The process is repeated until the fluid comes out without bubbles. The reservoir needs to be watched and topped off as fluid is lost to bleeding, otherwise if it goes dry, new air will be introduced into the lines.
2) Purchase a "power bleeder", which attaches to the reservoir and can be done alone.
3) Use a hand operated oil pump connected to the bleeder valve with a rubber line to push fluid (and air) backward into the reservoir (the bubbles will float to the top). This has to be monitored closely because the reservoir can be overfilled and spill out.
