I took 3 minutes out of my lunch break and changed the fluid out of the clutch resivor. I could not believe how black and dirty it was , felt like I wasn't a good owner. If you haven't done this in a while you should think about doing it this weekend!!

 

Do it a few more times cause I will bet you its just as black right now, I had to change mine about 6 times over a 5 day period before it was clear

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1559886070

 

There is a TSB out that states you can ignore the color of the clutch fluid, seems it leaches out the black from the rubber.

Having said that, it can't hurt to replace it.

Here it is:

Document ID# 899535
1998 Chevrolet/Geo Corvette


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Service VME - Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Discoloration #PI00204 - (Jul 11, 2002)
Service VME -- Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Discoloration
.

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

SERVICE VME
This is a service VME involving 1997 through 2002 Corvettes. Comments have been received about the fluid in the hydraulic clutch system being discolored. This discoloration is the result of carbon black used in the seal manufacturing process leaching out into the hydraulic fluid used in the clutch system. The discoloration may also collect on the inside of the clutch reservoir at the top of the fluid. This discoloration does not affect the operation of the clutch system and should not be considered a reason to flush the clutch hydraulic system.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.

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Last edited by Oldvetter : 04-16-2007 at 08:32 PM.

 

I recently did mine and all the other fluids using GM products.It was clean after the first flush,have 11,800 on her, followed Ranger's advice and did one more flush and will check it every now and then.

 

Going to do mine this weekend. I'm using the OEM clutch fluid in order to maintain a consistent fluid with the additives.

Actually I'm sitting here debating whether to do it now then wash the vette or wait and do that tomorrow.

From what I read, you're suppose to pump the clutch pedal 10-20 times to ensure the fluid stays clear, if not then repeat.

couple hours later....

All done. Nice and clean with fresh new GM clutch fluid! It took three times to get it cyrstal clean. Cycled the pedal about 20 times each time. I still have enough in the 16 oz bottle for probably three more fills. So that wasn't bad for $12. Just followed those directions laid down plenty of towels, and wiped it clean inside with paper towels.

Guess now, I'll go out to get something to eat... just to drive it. Thanks Ranger.

 

That particular TSB is old and wrong.

By its own actions Chevy acknowledges the heat issue with the clutch fluid...
(1) C6 has heat-shielding on the clutch hydraulic lines and
(2) clutch fluid is DOT4 while the brakes only get DOT3.

So reposting that TSB isn't doing anything but lead folks to a wrong conclusion.

If the clutch fluid changes color, it's degraded from heat. If you drive aggressively, better clean it up, lest your pedal get the woes and your tranny follow suit.

Ranger

 

BTW, I have had a chance to drive it a little bit since doing this and I can't believe how much smoother the clutch pedal operation is from prior to. I'm not doing any hi-rpm shifts as suggested in a similar post, but for normal driving and backing up I am truly impressed at the difference.

Glad I did this, I'll keep on my regular checks from now on.

 

I did the same thing today, (i used prestone Dot 4) and pushed the clutch a couple times and its dirty again, I will do it a few more times. I wont notice a difference for another two months tho..

 

Same here alot smoother!