Just replaced complete clutch on 5 cyl. 850. Before disassembly, about 6 weeks ago, clutch pedal felt normal. Now even after bleeding, I have almost no pedal and very little movement of the slave cylinder piston. I've bled numerous clutches though never on an 850 but can't imagine that I'm missing something? If there is a faulty master or slave I'd expect to see some seepage either at the firewall or at the slave piston boot. It's been unusually cold for a few weeks but I can't imagine that would cause normal pedal action to change. I'm very baffled.

 

I have only done it once, but I found it incredibly hard to get it going. I have no idea why it would be so awful, but I struggled even get fluid to drain from the reservoir down into the master.

I did not resort to anything fancy in the end, but just lots of repetition. The more it moves, the easier it becomes; back and forth flow will clear everything out except the slave itself.

 

That's very helpful. Sounds like it's just stubborn. I'll let you know if that does the trick. TD

 

Were both the master and slave cylinder replaced?
If not, did you open the system?

 

Also, I'll just mention that mostly the plumbing is nicely sloped and short. If the system is shaken around a little, as if the engine were running or you're driving it, that might influence bubbles to go upward. If that happens then you could get them out the top and reverse flow would help with this. I deliberately tried to do this, but I did not resort to reverse bleeding from an external source..


Reverse bleeding would surely solve the problem. Pressure bleeding also would work great as long as the reservoir stays full enough. That reservoir design is not very helpful.

 

Regarding opening the system, the slave cylinder was inspected so yes it was, for a few weeks. I'm thinking given the poor reservoir design the firebird parts mentions, there are probably air bubbles in the system.

How would reverse bleeding be done? TD

 

you might want to look at a "power bleeder" tool, after all what's a repair without a trip to Harbor Freight?

Brake Fluid Bleeder

Also Motive sells one too - wondering if you can rent one. I own a small one that works off of tire pressure (uh your spare) that cost me about $20.