Clutch Bleeding

From VanagonWiki

I use a Motive Power bleeder to bleed clutch and brakes but, you can do it the old fashioned way.  This is how to do it without a power bleeder.

You'll need a 7 mm. box wrench, penetrating oil, some plastic tubing to slip over the bleed screw and a small pop bottle. Soak the bleed screw, scrape the rust aside, and put the box wrench on. Wiggle it all the way on, then open the screw, maybe a 1/4 turn. Force the plastic tubing over the bleed screw, (keep the wrench in place), and put the other end deep into the pop bottle. You'll want to have some brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4 (DOT 4 is better) in the bottle so that air isn't sucked back into the line. You might have to wire the pop bottle up to something. Go up front and pump away slowly and smoothly.

This is a one person operation, BTW. Having the bleed screw only slightly open also helps stop the system from sucking air back in, since that makes it easier to pull in fresh fluid from the reservoir.

Keep the brake fluid in the reservoir between the min and max marks. You'll get about 3/4 bottle (400cc) of brown fluid before it starts clearing. It won't get crystal clear unless you push another bottle of fluid through. Of course, tighten the bleed screw before removing the tubing when you're through. Pressure purging certainly works better, but this will do the job.

You want to completely purge the system of old fluid as it attracts moisture and can rust out the lines. The recommended period is to completely change the brake/clutch fluid every two years.

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