Air in the clutch hydraulics? | FerrariChat
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Air in the clutch hydraulics?

Discussion in '308/328' started by RichardAguinsky, Dec 14, 2011.

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  1. RichardAguinsky

    RichardAguinsky Formula Junior

    Nov 12, 2007
    478
    Palo Alto, Californi
    Full Name:
    Richard Aguinsky
    #1 RichardAguinsky, Dec 14, 2011
    I have a 1984 Mondi QV. I replaced the clutch slave about 3 years ago, 1000 miles of driving. I replaced the brake fluid with synthetic and bled the clutch hydraulics and all the brake lines.

    Over time, I noticed that the clutch was getting "spongy". The brakes are fine. I assumed that the clutch slave cylinder was leaking and was getting air inside. Last night I bled the clutch line and noticed that I had to take out quite a bit of brake fluid to get the air bubbles out, which means that the air was in the master cylinder, not in the slave as I thought.

    The question now is: where did the air come from? There are no apparent leaks in the master cylinder. There are no leaks in the hose going into the master cylinder from the reservoir. The reservoir is full.

    Any suggestions? Does this happen to anybody else that does not drive the car much?

    Just wondering about this mystery.

    Thanks,
     
  2. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,855
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    #2 FasterIsBetter, Dec 14, 2011
    I don't know where the air bubbles might have come from if there is no leak, but maybe you didn't get all the air out previously?

    Remember, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. It doesn't matter how many miles you have on the car, you should be bleeding your brakes and hydraulic clutch every two to three years. And if you are ever taking the car on the track, you should bleed the brakes immediately before the track event. Moisture in the brake fluid is not a good thing and significantly lowers the boiling point of the fluid. Most people ignore the brakes and don't even realize that they need to change the brake fluid. Make it part of your normal maintenance routine.

    My $.02.
     
  3. RichardAguinsky

    RichardAguinsky Formula Junior

    Nov 12, 2007
    478
    Palo Alto, Californi
    Full Name:
    Richard Aguinsky
    #3 RichardAguinsky, Dec 14, 2011
    What I don't understand is why the brakes are fine by the clutch circuit is not. They both share the same reservoir.

    The reservoir is right over the brake master cylinder. The clutch is fed via a hose to the same reservoir. The clutch hose is connected on the rear chamber of the reservoir, about mid way.

    What is the possibility that when I am in a left turn pressing the clutch to change gears there may be air going into the hose and into the system? Just wondering.

    After bleeding it, the clutch is fine. I guess I will have to bleed the complete system more often.
     

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