My clutch seems to be loosing the ability to fully dis-engage the engine. The pedal goes about half way to the floor before I can feel pressure. The fluid was somewhat low and has been topped off, but did not help the problem. I'm thinking it could possibly have air in the line or maybe something else?
Any idea's?
Any suggestions on how to bleed the clutch?


Thanks!
Don

1996 F-150 I-6 5 speed
SingleCab shortbed

 

This is gonna sound dumb, but what you have to do is jack-rabbit the pedal. When air get's in the lines, it gets stuck in some of the bends the hard line makes as it follows the firewall down, and the easiest way to expell it is by rapidly pumping the clutch pedal about 20 times, and holding it down while someone cracks the bleeder valve just below where the line goes into the tranny. This should be repeated at least 10 to 20 times. It's a work out, but it's the only way I know of that works.

Take care,
~Chris

 

How old is the clutch? You may need a new one as well as master cylinder and slave cylinder.

Also check the fire wall for any cracking near the master cylinder. Thats a pretty common problem.

 

It turns out that my fluid did get low enough to allow air in the master cylinder. I bled the system and pumped the pedal about 150 times and I have about 90% of my pedal back. I think there is still a little air in it, but my shifting is back to normal. My slave seems to be seaping a little bit which accounts fot the loss in fluid.

My clutch only has 67000 miles on it , so I think I'll baby it along until it is ready to be replaced. Thanks for the advice!

Don