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 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.
Rick
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for the response. The transmission shop told me the clutch is mechanical alone. The gears do not disengage when I depress the clutch. The clutch slips when I try to move the car. Do I need a new cable? The cable came free from the clutch arm and I put on a new rubber and hold mechanism.I pulled the cable all the way out to get the cable attached.
Answer Allan,
Typically when a clutch is "slipping" this means the clutch plate is worn and needs replacement. This is normal with a manual transmission over time.
I'm not sure I understand the issue with the cable; Did the pedal go to the floor? Did you find the cable disconnected or did you actually take it off?
