User: How do I bleed my clutch
Assistant: To bleed your clutch on a Toyota Celica ST160, ST162, or ST165, you can follow this procedure:
1. **Prepare the Materials:**
– You will need brake fluid (usually DOT 3 or DOT 4), a clear vinyl tubing, and a container to catch the old fluid. An 8mm wrench (or sometimes a 10mm, depending on the specific bleeder screw) will be needed for loosening the bleeder valve.
2. **Fill the Clutch Reservoir:**
– Begin by checking the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder reservoir, which is typically located near the brake fluid reservoir. Make sure it’s filled with fresh brake fluid.
3. **Set Up for Bleeding:**
– Connect one end of the clear vinyl tubing to the bleeder screw on the slave cylinder (usually located near the clutch fork) and place the other end into a container to catch fluid.
4. **Start the Bleeding Process:**
– Have a helper in the driver’s seat. Instruct them to pump the clutch pedal several times (about 5-10 times) and then hold the pedal down.
5. **Open the Bleeder Screw:**
– While the pedal is held down, loosen the bleeder screw slightly with your wrench to allow air and old fluid to escape. You will see fluid and possibly bubbles flow through the tubing.
6. **Close the Bleeder Screw:**
– After a moment of fluid flow, tighten the bleeder screw while the pedal is still held down to prevent air from being drawn back into the system.
7. **Release the Clutch Pedal:**
– After closing the bleeder screw, have your helper release the clutch pedal.
8. **Repeat the Process:**
– Repeat steps 4-7 until you see no more air bubbles in the fluid. Ensure that the clutch reservoir stays filled throughout the process to prevent introducing more air into the system.
9. **Final Checks:**
– Once no bubbles appear, ensure all tools are removed, and double-check that the bleeder screw is properly tightened and that the reservoir is filled. Test the clutch pedal for firmness.
10. **Cleanup:**
– Clean any spilled brake fluid immediately, as it can damage paint surfaces.
This process is similar to what you’d use for bleeding brake lines, and care should be taken to keep the reservoir full while you work to avoid drawing air into the system【4:2†source】 . If you still experience issues with the clutch after bleeding, it may be worth checking for leaks in the master or slave cylinder .