Toys4Life C5

As you may know, the C5 clutch setup is fairly unique. Prior to the first time I bled my C5 Clutch a couple years ago, I researched EVERYTHING I could find on how best to do it.

Here is a video to share what I learned. *Remote Bleeder *Bleed stock setup from below *Bleed stock setup from above *Limitation of the "Ranger Method"

If you have more thoughts on this matter, please feel free to comment!
Toys

shadyscott69

your remote bleeder doesn't have a one way check valve?

C5fanbob

Thanks for sharing.

Toys4Life C5

You know what, it just might. I am going to look it up to see - thanks!

shadyscott69

If it does, you simply crack the bleeder, put the line in a catch basin and pump the clutch. No reason to crack and seal the bleeder line.

redzg

Check valve or not, it's always best to run a flex line from the bleed outlet into a cup of fresh fluid, with the end of the tube kept submerged in the fluid. Just ensures any backflow that occurs won't be air.

Vetteman Jack

Moved to C5 Tech.

Bill Dearborn

Another way to do it was to hook the Mighty Vac to the Remote Bleeder, open the bleeder valve and suck the fluid through the system. No pumping, one person operation.

Bill

smitty2919

Tried that and easier said than done. My remote bleeder has a basic caliper bleeder screw with a tapered end which seals the line. Cracking the bleeder screw and putting a hose on the nipple still allows air to suck in between the threads of the bleeder and swivel end of the line and therefore does not pull vacuum/fluid.

Mine looks like this:



Maybe other remote bleeder lines are different but I wasn't able to get this to work. I could get another bleeder screw and drill a hole through the center to have the tapered end/threads seal but still allow fluid to come out.

Some have fancy check valves inside but won't help. I want to drill a thru hole on a standard bleeder so it can remain tightened into the line but still be able to pull vacuum.

Russ K

I use thread tape on the bleeder screw. Then use a vacuum bleeder.

Russ Kemp

Toys4Life C5

Thanks Gents!!

The tape appears to be the missing link that together with the previous suggestion would make this a 1 man operation. That having been said, I will probably grab one of my kids anyway to help cause it is an excuse to get them out of the house and into the shop

smitty2919

I found a standard bleeder screw in my "stash" that fits my remote bleeder line and I already drilled a thru hole. This weekend I'll try the one man vacuum bleeding method.

Keep in mind this only becomes a "one man job" after you pay someone to install the remote bleeder which can be costly, or done when doing a clutch job. A remote bleeder CAN be installed without removing the TT or lowering it (I know because I did it) but I was loaned a custom made tool to get the job done.

jvmagic

Without a remote bleeder, is the ranger method the easiest and best way to go about it? Thanks

Toys4Life C5

I commented about this in the video. Give it a try because it is easy - but it does not really bleed the crud out of the slave very well so results are limited... IMO

smitty2919

It only makes you feel better. Does nothing to remove the dirtiest fluid down by the slave cylinder. What you see in the reservoir is the dirt "backing up" into the reservoir.

Fluid does not "flow" in the clutch system. So once it's dirty down by the slave it stays there until it backs up into the MC and reservoir.

If you plan to keep your car for a long time, it's worth it to have someone install a remote bleeder for future proper maintenance.

Toys4Life C5

You should offer this up for a fee. Very FEW have been able to accomplish this.
For me, luckily I needed to upgrade to a twin disk clutch anyway so it was a no brainer to add the speed bleeder at the same time.

Toys4Life C5

One other thing I should have pointed out. If you get a weird squeaking sound after a bleed - especially if you go to Dot 4, it is common and should go away within a day or so. Freaked me out the first time it happened to me....

smitty2919

The tool was custom made by someone who makes a living working on C5's. So the tool/procedure is not mine to give out .