Ranger Method and C7 Clutch Improvements
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 244
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Ranger Method and C7 Clutch Improvements
I've seen some threads when searching on this and other forums about the difference between the C6 and C7 Clutch system. I've not located an factual differences. After researching, it seems there are some flaws in the C6s clutch system and wondered if it was better on the C7 (from a maintenance perspective). I see that the reservoir isn't clear like it used to be possibly to not show the clutch dust as easily (just a theory). I just don't know what else if anything has chanced. I also know there is some controversy about the Ranger method but wondering if any of you guys are going to use it and if anyone knows if some of the flaws (dust getting past the seals) have been improved in this generation.
My car has under 1,000 relatively easy miles so I haven't done anything yet.
For the couple of people that aren't familiar: http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html
If this is the wrong place to post Admin, please move.
Thanks in advance for any input.
My car has under 1,000 relatively easy miles so I haven't done anything yet.
For the couple of people that aren't familiar: http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html
If this is the wrong place to post Admin, please move.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 21
From: Sunniest city on Earth
I've seen some threads when searching on this and other forums about the difference between the C6 and C7 Clutch system. I've not located an factual differences. After researching, it seems there are some flaws in the C6s clutch system and wondered if it was better on the C7 (from a maintenance perspective). I see that the reservoir isn't clear like it used to be possibly to not show the clutch dust as easily (just a theory). I just don't know what else if anything has chanced. I also know there is some controversy about the Ranger method but wondering if any of you guys are going to use it and if anyone knows if some of the flaws (dust getting past the seals) have been improved in this generation.
My car has under 1,000 relatively easy miles so I haven't done anything yet.
For the couple of people that aren't familiar: http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html
If this is the wrong place to post Admin, please move.
Thanks in advance for any input.
My car has under 1,000 relatively easy miles so I haven't done anything yet.
For the couple of people that aren't familiar: http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html
If this is the wrong place to post Admin, please move.
Thanks in advance for any input.
1) I can't see anywhere else this would go BUT in C7 Tech
2) Supposedly, the C7 clutch setup is much better for such things than the C5/6; I'm actually installing one in my C5Z right now. That said, I'm also installing a speed bleeder line and plan to regularly bleed and refill the clutch to ensure that I don't have any issues, and I will also be installing a Tick Adjustable Master Cylinder.
All that to say that it can't hurt, so you might as well go for it
it can't hurt
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,395
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
It's the same style slave in the bellhousing and is prone to clutch dust getting past the seal and contaminating the fluid even though it has a boot to try and cut down on it like the C6 did, but it's still just the nature of the design. So stay on top of halfway flushing the fluid through the reservoir or give it full bleed from the slave where the fluid will be dirtiest if you want to keep your hydraulics working in tip top shape, hope that helps.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
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Thanks. Seems like a straight forward process that. I'll probably do it 2 to 4x per year. I wonder if Prestone is compatible with what's in there from the factory. Some fluid is and some isn't from what I've read.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,871
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From: St. Louis Metro East IL
The 2014 maintenance schedule lists clutch fluid replacement at 20,000 mile intervals for severe service, 30,000 miles for normal service. My 2006 manual did not mention clutch fluid replacement. Looks like GM's answer is fluid replacement, not a significantly different design. Is the bleeder easier to get to than on a C6? BTW - I was starting to have clutch issues on my C6 at 20,000+ and the Ranger fluid change made a big improvement.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,395
Likes: 2,912
From: Fort Worth, Texas
The 2014 maintenance schedule lists clutch fluid replacement at 20,000 mile intervals for severe service, 30,000 miles for normal service. My 2006 manual did not mention clutch fluid replacement. Looks like GM's answer is fluid replacement, not a significantly different design. Is the bleeder easier to get to than on a C6? BTW - I was starting to have clutch issues on my C6 at 20,000+ and the Ranger fluid change made a big improvement.
Last edited by PRE-Z06; May 29, 2014 at 06:31 PM.
Race Director
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From: Fulshear, TX
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Longview Texas
GM may not have a separate part number for clutch fluid vs just DOT4 brake fluid, but there was a special number for DOT3 clutch fluid. I don't have a photo of the bottle but it said it contained special additives for the clutch.
For differential GM used their Dexron LS in the C5 and the C7.
I plan to just check the clutch fluid to see if it looks dark, and refresh the reservoir once or twice a year. I did that on my C5 and it never did turn dark.
Found a photo of gm DOT3 clutch fluid bottle.
For differential GM used their Dexron LS in the C5 and the C7.
I plan to just check the clutch fluid to see if it looks dark, and refresh the reservoir once or twice a year. I did that on my C5 and it never did turn dark.
Found a photo of gm DOT3 clutch fluid bottle.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Jun 7, 2014 at 06:18 PM.