Clutch Fluid Refresh
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 9
From: Western Massachusetts
Clutch Fluid Refresh
I need to completely change the clutch fluid on our 99 FRC. I know that it can be done using the ranger method; however, I know this doesn’t completely remove the old fluid.
I normally do all my basic maintenance; however, old age and arthritis dictate that I have the local dealer dedicated Corvette tech do the change.
What can I reasonably expect to pay?
I normally do all my basic maintenance; however, old age and arthritis dictate that I have the local dealer dedicated Corvette tech do the change.
What can I reasonably expect to pay?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 1,381
From: Orange County, CA
You can access the factory bleeder on the slave cylinder with removing only the mid pipe, tunnel plate, and preferably the clutch inspection cover. I installed the Katech remote bleeder kit with only these items removed, no need to pull the whole driveline. But for a periodic clutch fluid replacement, the factory bleeder ought to be okay (as much as it would suck).
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 26
Likes: 8
First, I would check to see if you have a remote bleeder. More often than not if your clutch has been replaced you have one, even if the shop didn’t tell you they installed it.
Second, if you don’t have a remote bleeder, I would recommend taking the car to an independent corvette shop or even have a friend do it. While yes, it’s more work, the driveline does not need to be taken out. Just the cover taken off. Dealers will charge a lot for this relatively easy task of just taking out bolts.
I 100% agree with you that the ranger method is terrible. The only way to see results is to properly bleed. In fact, I would also recommend putting in a new master cylinder and then doing the bleed. The hydraulics in the master break down over time which cause a lot of problems with clutch fluid and ultimately clutch operation.
Second, if you don’t have a remote bleeder, I would recommend taking the car to an independent corvette shop or even have a friend do it. While yes, it’s more work, the driveline does not need to be taken out. Just the cover taken off. Dealers will charge a lot for this relatively easy task of just taking out bolts.
I 100% agree with you that the ranger method is terrible. The only way to see results is to properly bleed. In fact, I would also recommend putting in a new master cylinder and then doing the bleed. The hydraulics in the master break down over time which cause a lot of problems with clutch fluid and ultimately clutch operation.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 573
Likes: 28
From: Ocala FL
MetalMan2 , question for you. When i get to the slave unit to bleed it and find it is leaking and needs to be replaced can it be done then or does the drivetrain need to be shifted rearward for more clearance? thanx
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 1,381
From: Orange County, CA
Once the bell housing inspection cover is removed, you'll be able to see the status of the slave cylinder. I don't think it's particularly likely that it will be leaking.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,479
Likes: 4,323
From: Florida
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I had a local shop replace the clutch master cylinder and they managed to change the fluid. Cost about $500 including a genuine GM master cylinder.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
NAPA auto on the web has a service cost estimator on the website. .
I don't know how detailed it is, I just happened to stumble across it yesterday. Out of curiosity, I looked up replacing the harmonic balancer on a c5, and it gave about an $800 labor charge, while listing the hours of labor and the parts price separately.
Site says it is an estimate only and to contact your local Napa garage for details. Since I don't have access to a rate book, this seemed like a good way to guesstimate the ballpark figures, or time, of nay projected repair plans. . The labor cost results seemed a little low for my area, nobody likes to scare off customers, but then my area doesn't have any NAPA garages,
I assume the labor hours needed are generated from the usual reliable tables, what else, since any fiction would cause more trouble than any possible value
I don't know how detailed it is, I just happened to stumble across it yesterday. Out of curiosity, I looked up replacing the harmonic balancer on a c5, and it gave about an $800 labor charge, while listing the hours of labor and the parts price separately.
Site says it is an estimate only and to contact your local Napa garage for details. Since I don't have access to a rate book, this seemed like a good way to guesstimate the ballpark figures, or time, of nay projected repair plans. . The labor cost results seemed a little low for my area, nobody likes to scare off customers, but then my area doesn't have any NAPA garages,
I assume the labor hours needed are generated from the usual reliable tables, what else, since any fiction would cause more trouble than any possible value
Last edited by strand rider; Apr 12, 2021 at 09:23 PM.
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