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2004 Z06 Clutch issues

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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 01:56 PM
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Default 2004 Z06 Clutch issues

Hi Guy's, I'm new here to the Forum, I hope I'm doing this right. I purchased a 04 Z06 with 20,000kms on it last year, it feels like the clutch is engaging when the pedal is further from the floor. Does this mean my clutch is wearing out or can it be adjusted?
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by 89Pachanga22
Hi Guy's, I'm new here to the Forum, I hope I'm doing this right. I purchased a 04 Z06 with 20,000kms on it last year, it feels like the clutch is engaging when the pedal is further from the floor. Does this mean my clutch is wearing out or can it be adjusted?
Assuming you still have the stock clutch, it does have a self adjusting feature on the pressure plate to maintain pedal height as the clutch disk wears. There is a procedure on how to adjust this in the service manual but it is typically only done during installation.
Before you go the route of removing the bell housing inspection cover to inspect the auto adjuster, remove the reservoir cap and inspect for proper fluid level. If low, add fluid to the clutch reservoir and pump it numerous times to and see if this helps.
If this does not work I recommend you bleed the clutch's hydraulics. The procedure for bleeding the system is somewhat involved due to the location of the bleed screw. It is on the slave cylinder which sits within the bell housing behind the pressure plate and cluitch release bearing. Unfortunately in order to reach the bleed screw you must drop the center exhaust section and tunnel plate. Some individual will tell you that bleeding from the bleed point on the slave cylinder is not necessary, I have not found this to be the case. If bleeding the hydraulics from the slave cylinder using the OEM procedure does not improve your clutch it may be time to consider that one or more of the hydraulic system's components is not working correctly, the auto adjuster is seldom the cause of the problems.
There is a lot of misinformation on this forum and others on the C5's clutch system so I'll caution you when considering alternate methods to the OEM procedures. If you are going to perform this work yourself, the best thing you can do is throughly familiarize yourself with the system by obtaining an OEM service manual or ALLDATA DIY account.
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 04:15 PM
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Default 04 Clutch issues

Thank you, I'll look into this.
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by ipuig
There is a lot of misinformation on this forum and others on the C5's clutch system so I'll caution you when considering alternate methods to the OEM procedures. If you are going to perform this work yourself, the best thing you can do is throughly familiarize yourself with the system by obtaining an OEM service manual or ALLDATA DIY account.
The OEM procedure is to bleed the clutch hydraulics via the master cylinder.

Would you like me to C&P the page from the service manual again?
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Old Aug 29, 2011 | 06:42 PM
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over how long of a time period did this happen? did it start to happen gradually over several months? Did you just drive the car one day, and it started engaging higher in the pedal stroke?
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 04:24 PM
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I would say it happened gradually over a period of time. Sorry guys if I don't reply right away this is my work email & I'm only here till 4:00pm

Last edited by 89Pachanga22; Aug 30, 2011 at 04:27 PM.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 05:02 PM
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usually engaging higher in the pedal stroke without bleeding would indicate that the clutch has worn some. There is also the possibility there was a small bubble in the line that escaped, or some debris clogging the line that may have freed up.

Only sure way to know: bleed the clutch. go driving. Good luck!
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by wcsinx
The OEM procedure is to bleed the clutch hydraulics via the master cylinder.

Would you like me to C&P the page from the service manual again?
I would like you to provide it for me ! .....because my service manual for a 2004, states to bleed from the slave cylinder, not the master.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
I would like you to provide it for me ! .....because my service manual for a 2004, states to bleed from the slave cylinder, not the master.
Here ya go...

Originally Posted by The f'king GM service manual if you have an issue with the procedure, take it up with them
Info - Improved Bleeding Procedure for Hydraulic Clutch Release System #01-07-31-002 - (Nov 2, 2001)
Improved Bleeding Procedure for Hydraulic Clutch Release System
2002 and Prior Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

2002 and Prior Chevrolet and GMC 6-7F T-Series Medium Duty Tilt Cab Models

2002 and Prior Isuzu F-Series Medium Duty Tilt Cab Models

This bulletin is being issued to inform dealers of an improved procedure to aid in the ease of bleeding the clutch hydraulic system for the above listed vehicles. This procedure can be used anytime air is introduced into the hydraulic system. Following this procedure may also reduce the number of unnecessary parts replaced for low clutch pedal reserve and high shift effort.

1. Verify that all the lines and fittings are dry and secure.
2. Clean the dirt and grease from the reservoir cap in order to ensure that no foreign substances enter the system.
3. Remove the reservoir cap.
4. Fill the reservoir to the proper level with the required fluid.
5. Attach the J 43485 (Adapter) to the J 35555 (Mity Vac) or equivalent.

Important
Brake fluid will deteriorate the rubber on J 43485. Use a clean shop cloth to wipe away the fluid after each use.


6. Place and hold the adapter on the reservoir filler neck to ensure a tight fit. In some cases, the adapter will fit into the reservoir opening.
7. Apply a vacuum of 51-68 kPa (15-20 hg) and remove the adapter.
8. Refill the reservoir to the proper level.
9. Repeat Steps 6 and 7.
10. If needed, refill the reservoir and continue to pull a vacuum until no more bubbles can be seen in the reservoir or until the fluid level no longer drops.

Important
The vehicle will move if started in gear before the Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) is refilled and operational. Start the vehicle the first time in neutral to help prevent accidents and see if the transmission will shift easily into gear.


11. Pump clutch pedal until firm (to refill CSC).
12. Add additional fluid if needed.
13. Test drive vehicle to insure proper operation.

Last edited by wcsinx; Aug 30, 2011 at 05:20 PM.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 05:31 PM
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Last edited by lucky131969; Aug 30, 2011 at 05:35 PM.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 05:48 PM
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 05:55 PM
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I see you found it on your own, Lucky.

Soooo can you please get my back the next time I get called out by people saying it's not a method endorsed by GM?
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by wcsinx
I see you found it on your own, Lucky.

Soooo can you please get my back the next time I get called out by people saying it's not a method endorsed by GM?
The problem is.......that not everyone has access to the TSB's. Why the TSB's don't get implemented in the next version of the service manual procedure, is beyond me. Just a point, that the procedure is indeed NOT in the 2004 service manual....you have to look in the TSB's....which is intended to supplement or supersede the procedure in question. As far as having your back, I posted it for all to read....direct them to that post.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by wcsinx
The OEM procedure is to bleed the clutch hydraulics via the master cylinder.

Would you like me to C&P the page from the service manual again?
I have an ALLDATA account and am aware of this TSB. I does not superseed the procedure in the service manual and removes only air from the hydraulics, not sediment and contaminated fluid from the slave cylinder portion of the system.
Your post suggest that the prodedure specified in the TSB is the only way the OEM suggest bleeding the clutch hydraulic system now and is not the case. Your post was incomplete and misleading and provides little if any useful information for the OP's original question.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
The problem is.......that not everyone has access to the TSB's. Why the TSB's don't get implemented in the next version of the service manual procedure, is beyond me. Just a point, that the procedure is indeed NOT in the 2004 service manual....you have to look in the TSB's....which is intended to supplement or supersede the procedure in question. As far as having your back, I posted it for all to read....direct them to that post.
Interesting ... are you referring to a hardcopy version? When I search my digital service manual for "bleed clutch", the revised procedure is the first thing that comes up. While they might not technically be part of the service manual, I am indeed getting to the TSBs via the service manual.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by wcsinx
Interesting ... are you referring to a hardcopy version? When I search my digital service manual for "bleed clutch", the revised procedure is the first thing that comes up. While they might not technically be part of the service manual, I am indeed getting to the TSBs via the service manual.
.....because it is searching the database on your hard drive. If you have a hard copy of the manual, you'll find exactly what I posted for the slave bleed.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by ipuig
I have an ALLDATA account and am aware of this TSB. I does not superseed the procedure in the service manual and removes only air from the hydraulics, not sediment and contaminated fluid from the slave cylinder portion of the system.
I seem to recall a lengthy debate in which you disputed the boldfaced portion which you appear to now accept. I'm glad to see you've come around.

Your post suggest that the prodedure specified in the TSB is the only way the OEM suggest bleeding the clutch hydraulic system now and is not the case.
I did come across that way, yes, but that wasn't my intent. As I mentioned to Lucky, if you search the service manual for "bleed clutch" that revised method is indeed the first thing you'll see. The classic method is still documented as well however.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by wcsinx
I seem to recall a lengthy debate in which you disputed the boldfaced portion which you appear to now accept. I'm glad to see you've come around. .
I still do not believe you can remove air lodged at the top of the slave cylinder next to the bleed screw via the master cylinder reservoir. I chose not to confuse the issue any futher than you already have by mentioning my opinions.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
.....because it is searching the database on your hard drive. If you have a hard copy of the manual, you'll find exactly what I posted for the slave bleed.
Thank you, I know what it's searching. I guess my question wasn't clear. When you say, "the TSB's don't get implemented in the next version of the service manual procedure", are you saying the original procedures are never revised or the TSBs are not appended to the next service manual or both?

Last edited by wcsinx; Aug 30, 2011 at 06:59 PM.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by ipuig
I still disagree with GM.
Got it.
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