Clutch/Ranger Method
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta GA
Clutch/Ranger Method
This forum has been an invaluable source of info. I was researching a lot of various topics and watched the Ranger video on changing/maintaining clutch fluid.
When I got into the car this am, I noticed it was tough to shift to reverse. I noticed some general stickiness with the stick driving around today. I thought about the Ranger method, and decided to take a look at my fluid. Pitch black, which surprises me with only owning it two+ weeks. Plus, it's a 2013 stock coupe with 6,000 miles on it, so I'm still surprised it's as dirty as it is. Nonetheless, the GM Certification process for CPO cars apparently didn't involve changing my clutch fluid. So, a few questions for this non-DIY'er that's going to try this method.
1) does any DOT4 work? Are there any that are supposedly better than others?
2) in videos and pics, I've seen some that say clutch/brake fluid, and some that just say brake fluid. Does this matter? Trying to be very careful with 3 yrs bumper-to-bumper warranty left.
3) I've seen that the fluid is corrosive and to be careful with it. Just how corrosive is it? By that, I mean what type of container should I use to place the spent fluid in?
Method seems very straightforward, and I'm a general DIY'er around the house and with computers. Just never done much on the car. Any help is greatly appreciated!!
When I got into the car this am, I noticed it was tough to shift to reverse. I noticed some general stickiness with the stick driving around today. I thought about the Ranger method, and decided to take a look at my fluid. Pitch black, which surprises me with only owning it two+ weeks. Plus, it's a 2013 stock coupe with 6,000 miles on it, so I'm still surprised it's as dirty as it is. Nonetheless, the GM Certification process for CPO cars apparently didn't involve changing my clutch fluid. So, a few questions for this non-DIY'er that's going to try this method.
1) does any DOT4 work? Are there any that are supposedly better than others?
2) in videos and pics, I've seen some that say clutch/brake fluid, and some that just say brake fluid. Does this matter? Trying to be very careful with 3 yrs bumper-to-bumper warranty left.
3) I've seen that the fluid is corrosive and to be careful with it. Just how corrosive is it? By that, I mean what type of container should I use to place the spent fluid in?
Method seems very straightforward, and I'm a general DIY'er around the house and with computers. Just never done much on the car. Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 45
From: One of the Edema Ruh
I use the Prestone Dot 4. It's cheap and available. If you track your car you may want to find something with a higher boil point.
Clutch fluid is brake fluid. There is no specific clutch fluid.
I use an old water bottle or small Gatorade bottle to put the spent fluid in.
I don't know how corrosive the fluid is but if you get it on your paint make sure to wipe it up quick. I lay down paper shop towels when I'm changing the fluid. I also have a fender cover I lay down so if I drip anything it goes on that or the towel. Just be careful and make sure you put the cap back on before pumping the clutch peddle. Some here have forgotten and ended up with a big mess!
Clutch fluid is brake fluid. There is no specific clutch fluid.
I use an old water bottle or small Gatorade bottle to put the spent fluid in.
I don't know how corrosive the fluid is but if you get it on your paint make sure to wipe it up quick. I lay down paper shop towels when I'm changing the fluid. I also have a fender cover I lay down so if I drip anything it goes on that or the towel. Just be careful and make sure you put the cap back on before pumping the clutch peddle. Some here have forgotten and ended up with a big mess!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 897
Likes: 19
I use the Prestone Dot 4. It's cheap and available. If you track your car you may want to find something with a higher boil point.
Clutch fluid is brake fluid. There is no specific clutch fluid.
I use an old water bottle or small Gatorade bottle to put the spent fluid in.
I don't know how corrosive the fluid is but if you get it on your paint make sure to wipe it up quick. I lay down paper shop towels when I'm changing the fluid. I also have a fender cover I lay down so if I drip anything it goes on that or the towel. Just be careful and make sure you put the cap back on before pumping the clutch peddle. Some here have forgotten and ended up with a big mess!
Clutch fluid is brake fluid. There is no specific clutch fluid.
I use an old water bottle or small Gatorade bottle to put the spent fluid in.
I don't know how corrosive the fluid is but if you get it on your paint make sure to wipe it up quick. I lay down paper shop towels when I'm changing the fluid. I also have a fender cover I lay down so if I drip anything it goes on that or the towel. Just be careful and make sure you put the cap back on before pumping the clutch peddle. Some here have forgotten and ended up with a big mess!
Things that are needed.
Prestone Dot4 synthetic brake fluid
Scott shop towels
One mix mizer
One empty water bottle.
All can be purchased at a Wal mart for less than 20 bucks.
Last edited by Pittcorvette; Jul 30, 2014 at 03:01 PM.
