Clutch Fluid Recommendation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 25
Clutch Fluid Recommendation
HI gang
As some of you know, this is my first week with my first Vette - 2009 Coupe. Only put about 100 miles on it. I thought I was a little rough on the shifter... but I did some research on this site, and I found the Ranger site about the clutch fluid.
Well I just checked under the hood of my 10K mile Vette and guess what? Not only is it low on fluid, it is DARK. Not black, but dark.
The original owner told me he never tracked it. He's an older guy and I believe him.
I admit, I have been going nuts with it (the car!) - but as I said - 100 miles..??
SO, questions.
1) I will probably remain a "spirited" driver. With that said, what is the best clutch fluid to use?
2) How much should I get? I mean, how many go-arounds should I expect to get clear fluid?
3) The car is under warranty. Should I just complain to GM and see what they do about it - or am I wasting my time??
ANy and all advice is ALWAYS appreciated!
WOW - really glad I checked into this forum!
As some of you know, this is my first week with my first Vette - 2009 Coupe. Only put about 100 miles on it. I thought I was a little rough on the shifter... but I did some research on this site, and I found the Ranger site about the clutch fluid.
Well I just checked under the hood of my 10K mile Vette and guess what? Not only is it low on fluid, it is DARK. Not black, but dark.
The original owner told me he never tracked it. He's an older guy and I believe him.
I admit, I have been going nuts with it (the car!) - but as I said - 100 miles..??
SO, questions.
1) I will probably remain a "spirited" driver. With that said, what is the best clutch fluid to use?
2) How much should I get? I mean, how many go-arounds should I expect to get clear fluid?
3) The car is under warranty. Should I just complain to GM and see what they do about it - or am I wasting my time??
ANy and all advice is ALWAYS appreciated!
WOW - really glad I checked into this forum!
Myth Buster
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 211
Likes: 2
From: In the lead Tx
You will never be able to retain clear fluid. The design of the slave assembly allows clutch dust to be pulled into the fluid when it returns from being depressed. This happens over time and you could keep changing fluid but it will come back. Despite popular belief that the fluid gets hot and darkens is incorrect. Its nothing more than brake fluid. Just buy the small DOT4 fluid bottles and suck it out with a turkey baster then refill from time to time. One day the pedal will go to the floor and not return, dont panic, just order a new master cylinder and deal with it. Ive had to put two new masters on my car and it has 17k miles on it. No big deal
Several people make this clutch a big issue but its really not. Your car was meant to be driven like it was stolen so poking around isnt going to change much.
Several people make this clutch a big issue but its really not. Your car was meant to be driven like it was stolen so poking around isnt going to change much.
Track Junky
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 36
From: Orlando Area
Tech Contributor
You will never be able to retain clear fluid. The design of the slave assembly allows clutch dust to be pulled into the fluid when it returns from being depressed. This happens over time and you could keep changing fluid but it will come back. Despite popular belief that the fluid gets hot and darkens is incorrect. Its nothing more than brake fluid. Just buy the small DOT4 fluid bottles and suck it out with a turkey baster then refill from time to time. One day the pedal will go to the floor and not return, dont panic, just order a new master cylinder and deal with it. Ive had to put two new masters on my car and it has 17k miles on it. No big deal
Several people make this clutch a big issue but its really not. Your car was meant to be driven like it was stolen so poking around isnt going to change much.
Several people make this clutch a big issue but its really not. Your car was meant to be driven like it was stolen so poking around isnt going to change much.
I use ATE Type 200 for my clutch and brakes. It took about 6-8 fluid changes to really see a difference. Now I change it every few hundred miles since I track the car and get no appreciable color change (after a clutch and master cylinder swap). If you ever have the drivetrain out of the car, order a remote bleed lit - makes bleeding the clutch much easier and thurough.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 25
You will never be able to retain clear fluid. The design of the slave assembly allows clutch dust to be pulled into the fluid when it returns from being depressed. This happens over time and you could keep changing fluid but it will come back. Despite popular belief that the fluid gets hot and darkens is incorrect. Its nothing more than brake fluid. Just buy the small DOT4 fluid bottles and suck it out with a turkey baster then refill from time to time. One day the pedal will go to the floor and not return, dont panic, just order a new master cylinder and deal with it. Ive had to put two new masters on my car and it has 17k miles on it. No big deal
Several people make this clutch a big issue but its really not. Your car was meant to be driven like it was stolen so poking around isnt going to change much.
Several people make this clutch a big issue but its really not. Your car was meant to be driven like it was stolen so poking around isnt going to change much.
But it's low so I may as well go ahead and get it good and clear and monitor it. I'll just use DOT4 from Auto Zone or whatever I can find this morning.
Thanks again!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 25
I use ATE Type 200 for my clutch and brakes. It took about 6-8 fluid changes to really see a difference. Now I change it every few hundred miles since I track the car and get no appreciable color change (after a clutch and master cylinder swap). If you ever have the drivetrain out of the car, order a remote bleed lit - makes bleeding the clutch much easier and thurough.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 25
It went pretty well. Wally World had the little syringe and the Prestone DOT4. It took about 7 refills before it was clear. The first 3 times it was dark and alot of dirt under the cap.
Drove it about 12 miles and got on it when I could. Still looks good.
I guess I'll be one that does it every few hundreds miles keeping it clear.. can't hurt
Thanks everyone!
Drove it about 12 miles and got on it when I could. Still looks good.
I guess I'll be one that does it every few hundreds miles keeping it clear.. can't hurt
Thanks everyone!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,277
Likes: 550
From: Pittsburgh PA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
GM's current recommendation is to flush the clutch fluid every 2 years. Unless you really track the car a lot, every couple of hundred miles isn't necessary.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 25
Thank you
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