Clutch Fluid
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 551
Likes: 12
From: Nebraska
Clutch Fluid
I have a 2013 GS M6.
My understanding is the clutch is a closed system. I've got 10k miles on car and track it a few times a year. I checked the clutch fluid and appears full but is a brownish in color.
Should the fluid be changed?
How is this done on a closed system?
Is it ok to use brake fluid?
THANKS
My understanding is the clutch is a closed system. I've got 10k miles on car and track it a few times a year. I checked the clutch fluid and appears full but is a brownish in color.
Should the fluid be changed?
How is this done on a closed system?
Is it ok to use brake fluid?
THANKS
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 867
Likes: 26
From: SW Ohio
Because of the rather silly design and location of the clutch slave cylinder, the fluid gets dirty very quickly. Lots of threads on here about the "Ranger method" for refreshing the system fluid. Recommended replacement fluid is DOT4 brake fluid. You can use a syringe--available at any auto parts store--to suck the old stuff out and then pour in the fresh stuff. Won't really do much for the fluid in the lines and the slave cylinder, but the bleeder valve on these cars is nearly impossible to access. Some say it's doable...some say the only way is to loosen and lower the front cradle. FYI, there is a GM technical bulletin on this system and if I recall correctly, the factory warranty has been extended to 10 years/100,000 miles on the clutch master cylinder.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Because of the rather silly design and location of the clutch slave cylinder, the fluid gets dirty very quickly. Lots of threads on here about the "Ranger method" for refreshing the system fluid. Recommended replacement fluid is DOT4 brake fluid. You can use a syringe--available at any auto parts store--to suck the old stuff out and then pour in the fresh stuff. Won't really do much for the fluid in the lines and the slave cylinder, but the bleeder valve on these cars is nearly impossible to access. Some say it's doable...some say the only way is to loosen and lower the front cradle. FYI, there is a GM technical bulletin on this system and if I recall correctly, the factory warranty has been extended to 10 years/100,000 miles on the clutch master cylinder.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 607
Likes: 330
From: Fredonia Mountain, TN
Unfortunately, I have become intimately familiar with this as of Sunday on my recently purchased 08
Clutch Activation System – 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette
SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT
4261587
#14717: Special Coverage Adjustment – Clutch Activation System – (Sep 4, 2015)
Subject:14717 – Special Coverage Adjustment – Clutch Activation System
Models:2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette
Equipped with Manual Transmission (RPO MM6, MZ6, MH3 or ME2)
Condition
On some 2005-2013 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles equipped with a manual transmission (RPO MM6, MZ6, MH3 or ME2), the clutch system may fail if unapproved fluids are used to service the system or if a high-pressure pulse occurs during a clutch self-adjustment event.
If the clutch system fails, the clutch pedal may not return if depressed. If the clutch pedal does not return, it may be possible to start the vehicle when the transmission is in any gear. This could result in unexpected vehicle movement when the engine is started.
Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to replace the clutch master cylinder with a revised unit that is more robust against pressure pulses, and that includes a new fluid reservoir with improved labeling for use of proper fluid. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 3, 2015, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to September 3, 2015, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles Involved
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Applicable Warranties section in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCCA).
Part NumberDescriptionQuantity/
Vehicle
19331708 Clutch Master Cylinder1
19331709Clutch Master Cylinder1
88958860DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (US)2
88901244DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (CA)2
Clutch Activation System – 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette
SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT
4261587
#14717: Special Coverage Adjustment – Clutch Activation System – (Sep 4, 2015)
Subject:14717 – Special Coverage Adjustment – Clutch Activation System
Models:2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette
Equipped with Manual Transmission (RPO MM6, MZ6, MH3 or ME2)
Condition
On some 2005-2013 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles equipped with a manual transmission (RPO MM6, MZ6, MH3 or ME2), the clutch system may fail if unapproved fluids are used to service the system or if a high-pressure pulse occurs during a clutch self-adjustment event.
If the clutch system fails, the clutch pedal may not return if depressed. If the clutch pedal does not return, it may be possible to start the vehicle when the transmission is in any gear. This could result in unexpected vehicle movement when the engine is started.
Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to replace the clutch master cylinder with a revised unit that is more robust against pressure pulses, and that includes a new fluid reservoir with improved labeling for use of proper fluid. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 3, 2015, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to September 3, 2015, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles Involved
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Applicable Warranties section in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCCA).
Part NumberDescriptionQuantity/
Vehicle
19331708 Clutch Master Cylinder1
19331709Clutch Master Cylinder1
88958860DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (US)2
88901244DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (CA)2
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 226
Likes: 14
From: Houston TX
I used ranger method on my clutch fluid. Replaced with Prestone DOT 4 Brake Fluid. I went from pinesol color to clear in a few weeks. Took about 15 ranger flushes over a few weekends to get it clear. I didn't do it all at once. 5 times the first time, 3 times the next weekend, 2 times the weekend after that and so on. Fluid is clear, shifting has been flawless. The DOT 4 stuff does hold up better to heat, haven't been getting light clutch after a few fun runs like I was with the stock dot 3 fluid. Now, every few weeks I clean out the catch can, swap clutch fluid, and fine tune the tire pressures as regular maintenance after washing it.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 607
Likes: 330
From: Fredonia Mountain, TN
Unfortunately, I came out of the house Sunday morning to find the clutch pedal on the floor. Tried the Ranger method to resuscitate it, but to no avail. Was towed to the dealer Monday, which so far has been a major CF.
Will keep a jaundiced eye on the reservoir in the future.
Will keep a jaundiced eye on the reservoir in the future.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 16,667
Likes: 1,209
From: Raleigh, NC
St. Jude Donor '15
Basically the main seal on the slave cylinder is thought to leave some deposits behind that end up showing up as black/brown in the fluid.
There is a way to bleed the clutch system, same as your brakes, but the bleeder valve is a pain to get to. Most people just use a turkey baster to remove the fluid from the clutch master cylinder. Fill it back up with fresh fluid, pump the clutch pedal a few times. Fluid will get dirty. Repeat until it stays clean or at least clean'ish
There is a way to bleed the clutch system, same as your brakes, but the bleeder valve is a pain to get to. Most people just use a turkey baster to remove the fluid from the clutch master cylinder. Fill it back up with fresh fluid, pump the clutch pedal a few times. Fluid will get dirty. Repeat until it stays clean or at least clean'ish
Last edited by schpenxel; Jun 8, 2016 at 07:37 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10,805
Likes: 706
From: Feverish All Over
Once a week use a syringe or turkey baster to remove the fluid and refill with fresh. I don't bother with the clutch pumping thing - I just drive the car. Do this once a week - it take 2 minutes....PM for your car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
I have been using the ranger method since I got my car...When I first got my C6 the fluid was almost black, it took about 3 or 4 weeks of changing the fluid every few days to get it clear..I now change it about once a month to keep it clear and have never had a problem..I'm taking my car in next week to get a new clutch, pressure plate, flywheel , pilot bearing and throwout bearing and I'm also having a remote bleeder installed at the same time.. The remote bleeder will allow me to completely bleed the system a few times a year like it should be done...This is another example of GM falling on their face with a system that wasn't thought out properly before production...
....WW
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....WW.
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Last edited by WW7; Jun 8, 2016 at 09:32 PM.
