Both sides should be showing up soon to debate the merit of the Ranger Method.
[Z06] Success With The Ranger Method
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 231
Likes: 26
Success With The Ranger Method
I have a low mileage 2001 Z06, with 6,000 miles on the clock. I just replaced the Delco battery with an Optima Red Top, changed fluids, and replaced the 15 year old Goodyear tires with Bridgestones. I then, checked the clutch fluid and it looked pretty murky. I went to the grocery store, got a turkey baster, picked some Dot 3 brake fluid from O'Reilly Auto Parts, reviewed the Ranger method and got to work. I my case it only took two fluid changes in the reservoir, and a total of sixty pedal pumps to get things clean and clear. In the future, I plan just to change what's in the reservoir on a regular basis to keep things clean. I highly recommend the Ranger method and suggest that anyone with a six speed look at the clutch fluid before problems occur rather than after. If it hasn't been examined, it's my guess that the fluid will be pretty dirty rather than clean and clear. Thanks to the Forum for so much good info on clutch problems. As the doctors say, prevention is the best cure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Good to hear & for you to pass the info on to others.
Strange how some just look at the outside of their cars and neglect the important things under the hood.
I guess outa sight..outa mind.
Strange how some just look at the outside of their cars and neglect the important things under the hood.
I guess outa sight..outa mind.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 144
From: Mobile al
When I bought my 03 the clutch fluid had never been serviced. The clutch pedal would get soft after running the car through three gears.
I have flushed at least 7-8 times so far since Jan, fluid is always dirty. The clutch pedal issue has fixed itself, it operates normally now.
The seal has been damaged slightly from the lack of maintenance, until it fails I will keep flushing it, I only change the fluid now....takes about 5 minutes.
I have flushed at least 7-8 times so far since Jan, fluid is always dirty. The clutch pedal issue has fixed itself, it operates normally now.
The seal has been damaged slightly from the lack of maintenance, until it fails I will keep flushing it, I only change the fluid now....takes about 5 minutes.
Racer
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 346
Likes: 10
From: Easton MA
I use the baster and put the old fluid in a jar and then take it to the hazardous waste disposal every year with old oil, paint, and other stuff.
The towel method sounds easier, but I would not be comfortable putting the towels in the trash. Guess I could stuff them in a jar like I do the fluid.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 11
From: las vegas nv.
How do you get rid of the brake fluid soaked towels?
I use the baster and put the old fluid in a jar and then take it to the hazardous waste disposal every year with old oil, paint, and other stuff.
The towel method sounds easier, but I would not be comfortable putting the towels in the trash. Guess I could stuff them in a jar like I do the fluid.
I use the baster and put the old fluid in a jar and then take it to the hazardous waste disposal every year with old oil, paint, and other stuff.
The towel method sounds easier, but I would not be comfortable putting the towels in the trash. Guess I could stuff them in a jar like I do the fluid.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 389
Likes: 25
How do you get rid of the brake fluid soaked towels?
I use the baster and put the old fluid in a jar and then take it to the hazardous waste disposal every year with old oil, paint, and other stuff.
The towel method sounds easier, but I would not be comfortable putting the towels in the trash. Guess I could stuff them in a jar like I do the fluid.
I use the baster and put the old fluid in a jar and then take it to the hazardous waste disposal every year with old oil, paint, and other stuff.
The towel method sounds easier, but I would not be comfortable putting the towels in the trash. Guess I could stuff them in a jar like I do the fluid.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 11
From: las vegas nv.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: GRAPEVINE TX
Air in the System??
I just purchase a 2005 and had it for just a few weeks.
Than the clutch drop to the floor. It has been 25 years since i drove a standard and did not know about the clutch fluid. Lucky for me i was backing it in the garage then clutch droped. After reviewing the Ranger method i tried to clean the fluid but it is not working.
I think i got air int he system. Does any body know how to remove the air with taking it to the dealer?
thaanks'
Than the clutch drop to the floor. It has been 25 years since i drove a standard and did not know about the clutch fluid. Lucky for me i was backing it in the garage then clutch droped. After reviewing the Ranger method i tried to clean the fluid but it is not working.
I think i got air int he system. Does any body know how to remove the air with taking it to the dealer?
thaanks'
I have a low mileage 2001 Z06, with 6,000 miles on the clock. I just replaced the Delco battery with an Optima Red Top, changed fluids, and replaced the 15 year old Goodyear tires with Bridgestones. I then, checked the clutch fluid and it looked pretty murky. I went to the grocery store, got a turkey baster, picked some Dot 3 brake fluid from O'Reilly Auto Parts, reviewed the Ranger method and got to work. I my case it only took two fluid changes in the reservoir, and a total of sixty pedal pumps to get things clean and clear. In the future, I plan just to change what's in the reservoir on a regular basis to keep things clean. I highly recommend the Ranger method and suggest that anyone with a six speed look at the clutch fluid before problems occur rather than after. If it hasn't been examined, it's my guess that the fluid will be pretty dirty rather than clean and clear. Thanks to the Forum for so much good info on clutch problems. As the doctors say, prevention is the best cure.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: GRAPEVINE TX
Air in the system
I just purchase a very low mileage 2005 and had it for just a few weeks.
Than the clutch drop to the floor. It has been 25 years since I drove a standard and did not know about the clutch fluid. Lucky for me I was backing the car in the garage then clutch dropped.
After reviewing the Ranger method I tried to replace the fluid but it is not working.
I think I got air in he system. Does anybody know how to remove the air without taking it to the dealer?
Than the clutch drop to the floor. It has been 25 years since I drove a standard and did not know about the clutch fluid. Lucky for me I was backing the car in the garage then clutch dropped.
After reviewing the Ranger method I tried to replace the fluid but it is not working.
I think I got air in he system. Does anybody know how to remove the air without taking it to the dealer?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
I just purchase a very low mileage 2005 and had it for just a few weeks.
Than the clutch drop to the floor. It has been 25 years since I drove a standard and did not know about the clutch fluid. Lucky for me I was backing the car in the garage then clutch dropped.
After reviewing the Ranger method I tried to replace the fluid but it is not working.
I think I got air in he system. Does anybody know how to remove the air without taking it to the dealer?
Than the clutch drop to the floor. It has been 25 years since I drove a standard and did not know about the clutch fluid. Lucky for me I was backing the car in the garage then clutch dropped.
After reviewing the Ranger method I tried to replace the fluid but it is not working.
I think I got air in he system. Does anybody know how to remove the air without taking it to the dealer?
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,533
Likes: 374
From: Philadelphia PA
I just purchase a very low mileage 2005 and had it for just a few weeks.
Than the clutch drop to the floor. It has been 25 years since I drove a standard and did not know about the clutch fluid. Lucky for me I was backing the car in the garage then clutch dropped.
After reviewing the Ranger method I tried to replace the fluid but it is not working.
I think I got air in he system. Does anybody know how to remove the air without taking it to the dealer?
Than the clutch drop to the floor. It has been 25 years since I drove a standard and did not know about the clutch fluid. Lucky for me I was backing the car in the garage then clutch dropped.
After reviewing the Ranger method I tried to replace the fluid but it is not working.
I think I got air in he system. Does anybody know how to remove the air without taking it to the dealer?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
I have a low mileage 2001 Z06, with 6,000 miles on the clock. I just replaced the Delco battery with an Optima Red Top, changed fluids, and replaced the 15 year old Goodyear tires with Bridgestones. I then, checked the clutch fluid and it looked pretty murky. I went to the grocery store, got a turkey baster, picked some Dot 3 brake fluid from O'Reilly Auto Parts, reviewed the Ranger method and got to work. I my case it only took two fluid changes in the reservoir, and a total of sixty pedal pumps to get things clean and clear. In the future, I plan just to change what's in the reservoir on a regular basis to keep things clean. I highly recommend the Ranger method and suggest that anyone with a six speed look at the clutch fluid before problems occur rather than after. If it hasn't been examined, it's my guess that the fluid will be pretty dirty rather than clean and clear. Thanks to the Forum for so much good info on clutch problems. As the doctors say, prevention is the best cure.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 231
Likes: 26
while the ranger method works, i find it very hard to believe you did this with just two fluid change's and six pumps of the pedal, its going to take more then that ..i have a remote bleeder on my S/C 03 Z06 and even with that it takes a good 3 to 4 reservoir fillings to completely flush the system..and you did this all with two and no speed bleeder...
I went to the grocery store, got a turkey baster, picked some Dot 3 brake fluid from O'Reilly Auto Parts, reviewed the Ranger method and got to work. I my case it only took two fluid changes in the reservoir, and a total of sixty pedal pumps to get things clean and clear.
Last edited by Mac-427; May 19, 2015 at 08:52 AM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Bump from the dead!
I bought a C5Z recently and came across the Ranger method. I looked at my clunch fluid and it was pitch black, looked like it had never been changed. Using the Ranger method it took 2 empties/fills and 60 pumps for it to be completely clear, same as the OP. I've done about 15 miles of city driving since then and it has remained clear. Do this!
I bought a C5Z recently and came across the Ranger method. I looked at my clunch fluid and it was pitch black, looked like it had never been changed. Using the Ranger method it took 2 empties/fills and 60 pumps for it to be completely clear, same as the OP. I've done about 15 miles of city driving since then and it has remained clear. Do this!