My '99 weekend driver's clutch seams like it is releasing very close to the floor. My questions are, what's involved in bleeding the hydraulics and if it's required, what's involved in changing the slave cylinder?

 

# Clean all dirt and debris from the clutch master cylinder cap to ensure that no foreign substances will enter the system.
# Remove the clutch master cylinder reservoir cap with diaphragm.
# Fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir with clutch hydraulic fluid GM P/N 12345347, or equivalent, if necessary.
# Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
# Remove the intermediate exhaust pipe. Refer to Intermediate Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust
# Remove the driveline tunnel closeout panel. Refer to Driveline Tunnel Closeout Panel Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
# Have an assistant depress the clutch pedal fully and hold.
# Loosen the bleeder screw on the clutch actuator cylinder to purge air.
# Tighten the bleeder screw.
# Release the clutch pedal.
# Repeat steps 7 through 10 until all air is completely evacuated.
# Check and refill the clutch master cylinder reservoir with clutch hydraulic fluid GM P/N 12345347, or equivalent, as necessary in order to prevent air from being drawn through the clutch master cylinder. Fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir with clutch hydraulic fluid GM P/N 12345347, or equivalent, if necessary.
# Install the driveline tunnel closeout panel. Refer to Driveline Tunnel Closeout Panel Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
# Install the exhaust intermediate pipe. Refer to Intermediate Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
# Lower the vehicle.

 

Thanks, Very detailed procedure...for future reference, can you tell me your source for that info?
Jack

 

GM service manual

 

If you look you can see that there is a bleeder hole in the cap of the reservoir that holds the fluid for the slave cyl. Get some sort of vacuum setup (they sell them at parts stores) add some fluid, stir it around and then vac out. This removes sludge that forms over time. Then, add new fluid. Carefull about dirt. Pump the clutch. This system is designed to self prime. It eventually will remove the air by itself. I had to pump my clutch for about 15 min. steady. Then drive the car for about 30 mins in stop and go traffic. If the problem still exists, the slave cyl is suspect. It is a major job to replace and you should go to a reputable shop to have it done. Takes about 4-5 hors plus parts.

 

Thanks for the advice...I did what you said and it works fine. Unfortunately, this car sits a lot and doesn't get driven as much as I would like.