Bleeding clutch system

Wheels427 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2005, 07:34 PM

Just picked up ERA FIA,car has sat about 11/2 years.Having trouble getting clutch to release without pumping pedal.Tried bleeding per assembly man. stiil it works for a while then back to pumping it to get clutch to release.Any secrets not told in man.? previus owner said he never had problems with it until I picked the car up.Thanks

tpiini · #2 (**permalink**) 03-20-2005, 08:18 PM

Just something to try before you go nuts;

Make up a rod to hold the clutch pedal all the way down. Leave it that way over night. Release it in the morning. That "may" do it. I used to "fix" motorcycle brakes/clutches that way. You may be moving air back & forth in the line without ever getting it out. Having the pedal down for a length of time will allow the air to rise back "close" to the M/C. When you release the pedal the air will go back into the M/C and burp ino the reservior. maybe...

Bruce Edwards · #3 (**permalink**) 03-20-2005, 09:15 PM

Sounds more like a master going bad. Are you losing any fluid? Check around the dust seals on the master and slave for any dampness. Pull the boots back a bit to see if any fluid leaks out. If it does you have your problem.

strictlypersonl · #4 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005, 04:59 AM

'Fraid I'd have to agree with Bruce. Probably the master cylinder or a problem with the feed tube going into it. You might try disassembling it and cleaning the bore. It's probably got a little corrosion at the open end or a piece of dirt on the seal.

Clois Harlan · #5 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005, 06:54 AM

One of my absolute least favorite things to do. I will be bleeding mine this week after replacing the clutch disc. Sure wish there was an easier way. I also agree with Bruce and I would go pick up a new MC and replace the old one. I think they should cost around $60. Good luck.

Clois

Wheels427 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005, 06:21 PM

I just looked real closely,and found wetness around the cylinders seal.I 'll call ERA tomorrow and order a new one.Thanks guys!

Bruce Edwards · #7 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005, 06:40 PM

You could do that or go online and get the part number for the part you need and pick it up local. It iwll be A LOT faster trust me on that one.

Bruce Edwards · #8 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005, 06:44 PM

From the ERA FIA manual
Clutch Master
BMW 2152 1104 510 and a note ??
Fits 72-76 2002 Large Tilton 74-875

Wheels427 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005, 08:44 PM

Thanks Guys!I found it at Parts America for $75 +$8 freight.Most places wanted $95.Should have it by the weekend,should be easy fix then,took a whole 10 minutes to take old one out.

Bruce Edwards · #10 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005, 08:50 PM

You may want to get a kit for a spare just in case. That way if you have another failure you can have a back up built and waiting so you do not have to suffer with down time on your ride.

Wheels427 · #11 (**permalink**) 04-10-2005, 04:53 AM

I put the new cycl. in ,very easy to bleed.It works well now,do these go that often that you need a spare? Car has only 364 miles when 1st one went south,maybe because car was finished in 2001 and mostly sat .Thanks guys

strictlypersonl · #12 (**permalink**) 04-10-2005, 05:36 AM

Sitting around for 3 years will do that. Any brake fluid exposed to the air will attract moisture, and will cause rust in the iron bore. The units we use have been very reliable otherwise. Just use the car!

Yetiman · #13 (**permalink**) 04-10-2005, 08:52 PM

You might want to find a replacement for the slave right away and save yourself some trouble (or a tow) down the road. When i bought my car last year it had seen very little use in the year or two previous. A couple weeks after i started driving it the clutch master went out (i made it home). The following sunday the slave took a similar vacation (made it home again !).

At least make sure you get all new fluid in there.

Tony Radford · #14 (**permalink**) 04-11-2005, 03:31 AM

Make sure you're not running DOT 5 silicone fluid. I just replaced my master and slave after switching to DOT 5 for a few days. Totally destroyed the seals and O-rings.

Bruce Edwards · #15 (**permalink**) 04-11-2005, 05:08 AM

You have a spare if you just rebuild it. Spend a little time to clean up and rebuild the old one. Even if yo do not use it any time soon it would still be nice to know you have it just in case.