Changing Clutch Fluid
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 152
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From: Pittsburg Kansas
Changing Clutch Fluid
I've been using the turkey baster method to change the clutch fluid. Question is, how much fluid should one normally go through before you get it cleared up. I've went through one bottle of dot 4 fluid and it still is awful dirty after I drive it. I bought the car about a month ago, it's an 06 with 17k miles.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,732
Likes: 15
From: SC
I've been using the turkey baster method to change the clutch fluid. Question is, how much fluid should one normally go through before you get it cleared up. I've went through one bottle of dot 4 fluid and it still is awful dirty after I drive it. I bought the car about a month ago, it's an 06 with 17k miles.
IMO just one of those things that happens and will never be completely solved.....not worth stressing about.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 1
From: NJ..."the way I saw it, everyone takes a beating sometimes."
If this is the first time it's being done, it could take quite a bit of fluid to finally get it clear. I probably went through a bottle when I first drained it at around 10k. I'm at 22k and it has yet to turn black again. I still change it every couple of months or so though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,759
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From: AZ
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10-'11-'12-'13 '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
If this is the first time it's being done, it could take quite a bit of fluid to finally get it clear. I probably went through a bottle when I first drained it at around 10k. I'm at 22k and it has yet to turn black again. I still change it every couple of months or so though.
The more I change mine, the longer it stays clean.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
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From: Tucson Arizona
Clutch fluid is relatively inexpensive depending on which brand you use. The first time you do the procedure I'd go through whatever it takes to get the fluid clean. I think the first time I did it I repeated the drain/fill cycle (pumping the clutch pedal vigorously in between) over 20 times. I 'change' the clutch fluid monthly. If you do this procedure frequently it takes far fewer drain/fill cycles and you'll use far less fluid each time to achieve the results you want.
PHOTOSHOP SPECIALIST
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 16,433
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I've been using the turkey baster method to change the clutch fluid. Question is, how much fluid should one normally go through before you get it cleared up. I've went through one bottle of dot 4 fluid and it still is awful dirty after I drive it. I bought the car about a month ago, it's an 06 with 17k miles.
Here's a link that you may find useful:
http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,109
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From: Marengo Illinois
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Ranger has an interesting thread going on the C6Z06 board right now. The info is priceless.
What I don't understand is it's a 5-10 minute maintenence program that my 14 year old daughter could do.
Why wouldn't one flush it any time the color changes on your $50K+ car?
Tim
What I don't understand is it's a 5-10 minute maintenence program that my 14 year old daughter could do.
Why wouldn't one flush it any time the color changes on your $50K+ car?
Tim
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK
If this is the first time it's being done, it could take quite a bit of fluid to finally get it clear. I probably went through a bottle when I first drained it at around 10k. I'm at 22k and it has yet to turn black again. I still change it every couple of months or so though.
Routine monthly (or so) changing keeps mine from getting dark.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 2
Clutch fluid is relatively inexpensive depending on which brand you use. The first time you do the procedure I'd go through whatever it takes to get the fluid clean. I think the first time I did it I repeated the drain/fill cycle (pumping the clutch pedal vigorously in between) over 20 times. I 'change' the clutch fluid monthly. If you do this procedure frequently it takes far fewer drain/fill cycles and you'll use far less fluid each time to achieve the results you want.
I started using the Ranger method when the car was new. It has never gotten black, maybe light brown. I can usually get the fluid clear with 2 fill/drain cycles. Am I A/R about it, probably, but then again it is so easy, and I like tinkering with the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
My clutch fluid does not change color much in about 6 months.
I changed the fluid on my 2004 Z06 early enough that it never got black. It was only a little dark with some sediment in the bottom of the reservoir.
The worst mine has been is going from clear to a gold color.
I changed the fluid on my 2004 Z06 early enough that it never got black. It was only a little dark with some sediment in the bottom of the reservoir.
The worst mine has been is going from clear to a gold color.