clutch fluid change

[mammoth713]

i was going to perform the "ranger" method (i think thats what its called) and so what fluid should I purchase?

Should i just use normal DOT 3 Brake Fluid?



I think some people put DOT 4 in instead, is this bad? What are the benefits?

[blue02Z]

What is the ranger method????

Also i use dot4 synthetic. Works out aight

[konigandy6]

i was going to perform the "ranger" method (i think thats what its called) and so what fluid should I purchase?

Should i just use normal DOT 3 Brake Fluid?



I think some people put DOT 4 in instead, is this bad? What are the benefits?

I run DOT4 synthetic because of the higher boiling point. Helps a little with the lazy clutch problem.

[meadowz06]

I have used Rangers method for years and it will extend the life of the clutch. You just suck out the fluid and clean out the rest of the residue with a clean towel. I use dot 4 brake fluid, and change the fluid once a month!

[meadowz06]

What is the ranger method????

Also i use dot4 synthetic. Works out aight

Go to corvetteforum.com and search Ranger!

[mammoth713]

I run DOT4 synthetic because of the higher boiling point. Helps a little with the lazy clutch problem.

"lazy clutch problem"... what is this, i think i might be experiencing it..



also, how is it ok to use dot 4 instead of dot 3 when it calls for dot 3 only?

is there any harm in this?
does dot 3 and dot 4 mix ok?

[konigandy6]

"lazy clutch problem"... what is this, i think i might be experiencing it..



also, how is it ok to use dot 4 instead of dot 3 when it calls for dot 3 only?

is there any harm in this?
does dot 3 and dot 4 mix ok?

Basically the clutch pedal getting "stuck" to the floor... ie. not returning to it's normal upright position right away. Usually happens after a hefty WOT run. There are several write ups on how to fix this issue.

You can use either. Just stay away from DOT5 since it is silicone based and will do more damage than good.

[BADHAWK209]

im experiencing this problemits so annoying some times i miss my a4 z28,i change my fluid with dot 4 its a little better but still gets jammed.

[Too Fast]

DOT 3 and 4 can interchange. DOT 4 has a higher boiling point, that's the advantage. Don't use any other type of fluid!

I am suspect of the DOT 4 doing anything for the clutch pedal issue, but it defintely will not hurt anything.

[mammoth713]

idk if i have this clutch pedal issue that you guys are describing, maybe i do tho..

So lets say I'm putting in the clutch to get into 1st.. the clutch pushes in for about an inch and doesnt even feel like its doing anything. and then past that inch, it actually feels like you are disengaging the clutch...

then when you let the clutch out, it lets out and then you have like an inch or so of extra clutch travel for it to come back to its normal position where it doesnt feel like it is doing anything for that last inch.


is there a spring mechanism that throws the clutch back to its orginal postion? because this seems like it could be my problem if there is one..


its really hard to explain. i can still shift fine, never grind gears... i dont even notice it right after WOT.. it seems to be a random occurrence



It happens more severely if its cold out i think...

[konigandy6]

idk if i have this clutch pedal issue that you guys are describing, maybe i do tho..

So lets say I'm putting in the clutch to get into 1st.. the clutch pushes in for about an inch and doesnt even feel like its doing anything. and then past that inch, it actually feels like you are disengaging the clutch...

then when you let the clutch out, it lets out and then you have like an inch or so of extra clutch travel for it to come back to its normal position where it doesnt feel like it is doing anything for that last inch.


is there a spring mechanism that throws the clutch back to its orginal postion? because this seems like it could be my problem if there is one..


its really hard to explain. i can still shift fine, never grind gears... i dont even notice it right after WOT.. it seems to be a random occurrence



It happens more severely if its cold out i think...

Possibly a slight leak at the slave cylinder?

The common issue is the pedal not returning period. I had this problem after I cammed my car. After a WOT run, it would stick to the floor until it cooled a little bit. Changed my clutch to an LS7, fluid to DOT4, and new slave cylinder. No issues since.

[mammoth713]

ok i'll give DOT4 a shot i suppose...

sucking all the old fluid out wont let air get in the lines right?

[Cutlass]

DOT 4 is the correct fluid.

[mammoth713]

WOW what a difference.

changed it earlier today


clutch is must more predictable, consistent, and firm.

the gunk that came out of there was black as it could be...
we will see how it is tomorrow morning when its cold out. that will truely tell if its better.


thanks for the help everyone

[Cutlass]

WOW what a difference.

changed it earlier today


clutch is must more predictable, consistent, and firm.

I noticed the exact same thing when I did my clutch flush and drill mod. Clean fluid FTW!!!

[Homer J]

sorry, old thread, but im got my prestone dot4 brake fluid and sucker ready to change my fluid tomorrow.

i watched rangers video:
http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html

towards the end, he shows the rubber thingy. when i checked my clutch fluid, my rubber thingy is pulled out. should i fold it back up like he does, or just leave it stuck out? or is that peice different on the F-body?

[Cutlass]

Fold it up if the reservoir is full.

[Homer J]

nevermind, the f-body one must be different. mine was just kinda cone shaped, and had no folding places in it.

on a side note, i had to suck and pump it 4 times and its pretty clear now. gonna wait about a month and do it all again.

did notice the pedal or something under the hood now squeeks, but the website and stuff said it would go away. but mine is so freakin loud o doubt i could even hear it when running.

[wileyCoyote]

just bought some Dot3/Dot4 synthetic (valvoline) - hope that's good. i'm going to try the ranger fluid change method (looks easy enough!)

[BashamWS6]

might have to try this...