Bleeding the clutch help.

[!!!FAST!!!]

I now consider myself an expert in replacing my clutch due to the fact that I had to do it several times to get it right. Now here's the new problem...bleeding. God knows I cut myself about a gajillion times while changing that clutch (mechanix gloves save lives) and bled gallons of my blood. But I mean bleeding the clutch...

So I put the trans in, bolt everything up, and set up to bleed it. Thats when I noticed that the bleed screw is at about the 10 o'clock position, is a 11mm fitting, sits flush with the trans casing, and has about 3/4 to 1" of space between it and the firewall (is that area still considered a firewall?) Anyway...How the F**K am I supposed to get any kind of line on that huge fitting with no space and still have room to fit a wrench in there to turn it? Also what kind of wrench am I supposed to use? The car runs fine, the clutch works properly, and when you depress the pedal and let it out it extends fully but the friction point is pretty close to the floor and it is really soft. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[jc99ls1ss]

1/4" drive ratchet and socket to fit. No need for a line just let it run down into housing and out weep hole.

[99 Formula]

what he said/...just make sure its a good 1/4 drive ratchet that wont flip back on you...cause that $hit sucks..

[edbird]

I have not had to do this yet but the GM Tech bullitin makes it sound easy.
Document ID# 1550985
1999 Pontiac Firebird


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Info - Improved Bleeding Procedure for Hydraulic Clutch Release System #01-07-31-002A - (Sep 22, 2004)
Improved Bleeding Procedure for Hydraulic Clutch Release System
2005 and Prior Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

2005 and Prior Chevrolet and GMC 6-7F T-Series Medium Duty Tilt Cab Models

2005 and Prior Isuzu F-Series Medium Duty Tilt Cab Models

This bulletin is being revised to add model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-07-31-002 (Section 07-Transmission/Transaxle).

This bulletin is being issued to inform dealers of an improved procedure to aid in the ease of bleeding the clutch hydraulic system for the above listed vehicles. This procedure can be used anytime air is introduced into the hydraulic system. Following this procedure may also reduce the number of unnecessary parts replaced for low clutch pedal reserve and high shift effort.

Verify that all the lines and fittings are dry and secure.
Clean the dirt and grease from the reservoir cap in order to ensure that no foreign substances enter the system.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Fill the reservoir to the proper level with the required fluid.
Attach the J 43485 (Adapter) to the J 35555 (Mity Vac) or equivalent.

Important
Brake fluid will deteriorate the rubber on J 43485. Use a clean shop cloth to wipe away the fluid after each use.


Place and hold the adapter on the reservoir filler neck to ensure a tight fit. In some cases, the adapter will fit into the reservoir opening.
Apply a vacuum of 51-68 kPa (15-20 hg) and remove the adapter.
Refill the reservoir to the proper level.
Repeat Steps 6 and 7.
If needed, refill the reservoir and continue to pull a vacuum until no more bubbles can be seen in the reservoir or until the fluid level no longer drops.

Caution
The vehicle will move if started in gear before the Actuator Cylinder is refilled and operational. Start the vehicle the first time in neutral to help prevent personal injury from vehicle movement and see if the transmission will shift easily into gear.


Pump clutch pedal until firm (to refill actuator cylinder).
Add additional fluid if needed.
Test drive vehicle to ensure proper operation.


GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


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Document ID# 1550985
1999 Pontiac Firebird

[Acceleration Junky]

I cut a hole in the trans tunnel so that I can access the bleeder valve from inside the car. I'm glad I did that because my original plan of using just the mighty vac wasn't good enough. I bleed it with a mighty vac first, and was satisfied with it. But just to make sure, I decided to crack the bleeder valve on the slave too. I was surprised that there was still air in the system when I opened it.