Reggied

I used the Ranger Method to change my clutch fluid. After 5 attempts the fluid finally cleared up. I drove the car and check the fluid the next day, the fluid turns back dirty brown. Later, I re-applied the Ranger Method and the fluid cleared up quicker with less attempts. Purchased a 32 oz bottle of Dot 4, used maybe half the bottle.

Meaning of "Attempts":
a) Suck out bad fluid,
b) Pour in new fluid, (BrakeBest, DOT4, Super Heavy-Duty, 32oz.)
c) Pump clutch 20 - 30 times,
d) Check for dirty fluid.

Overall I have done maybe 8 to 12 attempts....As of today the fluid is back dark brown.

Do I have an underlined clutch problem?
Or must I perform more attempts with Ranger Method or use another method to change my clutch fluid.

terradriller

I've used the Ranger method on my 06 several times. The first time I changed it maybe half a dozen times. Then I drove it a few hundreds miles and redid it. Seems to be staying a little cleaner now. How many times you have to do it and how often will depend on the mileage of your car and how you drive it.

If you drive it hard and shift it hard at high RPM it will get dirty faster..


427

laconiajack

The Ranger method is like closing half the distance between you and a wall; you never get all the way to the wall, but close.

MikeERWNC

Why wouldn't you just pull new fluid through the system?

Suck out the res.
Fill res.
Then pull fluid through the slave.
Fill res.
Pull fluid through the slave.

Until your MityVac shows clean fluid.

RoadkingC6

getting to the slave cylinder on these cars is extremely difficult.

mikeCsix

A really good question....

MikeERWNC

Good to know...

I plan on keeping the A6.
The ML6 was on my short list when I purchased my current car.
The more I drive the AT, the more I like being LAZY.
And the AT is fairly easy to work on, change fluid.

Delbert

The first time I tried the RANGER METHOD, I too was a bit dismayed. It seemed I wasn't making any progress. I actually went through the whole process of syphoning, filling and then working the clutch pedal about 50 times about 6 times at each session. I performed about 4 or 5 sessions over a two week period and then.......viola'.......the fluid was actually staying pretty clear.

Now, when I see the light brown returning to the fluid, I proceed to a new session. It's almost like lifting weights. Several sessions (sets) of syphoning, filling and working the clutch (reps) to build muscle fibers (clean fluid).

And yes......I sure went through quite a few cans of DOT4 doing it.

lebvette

The first few times it takes a while. After that...not so much.

saplumr

Why even worry about it.

Reggied

Thanks..You told me what I wanted to hear. I will keep with the sessions until I see results.

dkrhardy

I had the same experience with my '07. Went through a LOT of DOT-4 .... many times over 50K miles. Now the '12 6 spd auto is as much, maybe more, fun and no dirty fluid. At least that I can SEE!
Don

Jim2003

I only changed the clutch fluid twice in 10 years on my 03 (54K). I odd it the old way sucked out the resivor put in new fluid pump clutch sucked out fluid put in new fluid, etc. did that about 3 or 4 cycles. I never had clutch problems. I did the HPDE at VIR with it.

I have done the above method on my 13 once so for, it has 6457 miles on it. I guess I question the concern of owners over dark clutch fluid.

cclive

You're just putting alot of wear on the two clutch cylinders...just replace the fluid and then drive it for a few days and then repeat. After a couple of times, it will stay clean.

beaversstonehaven

This is what I do.

napp e roots

ive done this too. i drive pretty hard so i was doing it about once a week for aobut a month and a half then it finally started to clear up. After two weeks still clear. now i dont have to do it as often. Just takes a lot of cleaning out if it hasnt been done a lot. the guy i got the car from had no idea about what he had and it was never cleaned out

TripleAstyle123

hmmm ...Why would you even change your oil?

Larry/car

I just replace the fluid in the reservoir. Drive a few thousand miles then do it again. Never gets clear, I figure that the worst of the dirt is removed this way.

Mike's Sweet 19

I have a 2005 6 speed with 70,000 miles and for the first 35k using the Ranger method and using fluid similar to what you mention above I had to change it about every 3000 miles. I switched to using Prestone Dot 4 synthetic and since then the interval became 5000 to 6000 miles. With that interval the fluid is not dark but a very light brown. I believe the synthetic fluid is not hydroscopic as the others and will last longer. Wal Mart sells it in 12 oz sealed plastic bottles for about $2.80 a bottle.
try it this spring/summer and see if it makes a difference.
DO NOT USE A FLUID CONTAINING SILICON.

saplumr

That's a pretty silly comparison but thanks for playing.