GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Hydraulic Clutch Bleeding Manual Bleeding

    Notice: Refer to Clutch Hydraulic System Lubricant Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 895345  Size: SH

    Important: This procedure outlines how to bleed the clutch hydraulic system with the transaxle in the vehicle. If the transaxle has been removed from the vehicle, the clutch slave cylinder must be bled prior to installing the transaxle. Refer to Hydraulic Clutch Bleeding .

  1. Clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap.
  2. Remove the cap and fill reservoir with clean brake fluid.
  3. Attach the transparent hose over the clutch bleeder screw nipple. Submerge the other end of the hose in a container of brake fluid.
  4. Depress the clutch pedal and hold down.
  5. With the clutch pedal depressed, loosen the clutch bleeder screw on the transaxle hydraulic fitting. Allow the brake fluid to drain from the bleed screw and tighten the bleeder screw.
  6. Raise the clutch pedal.
  7. Repeat steps 4-6 until no air bubbles are seen in the hose.
  8. Check the clutch pedal feel for sponginess. If the clutch pedal exhibits this feel, repeat the bleeding procedure until the condition is gone.
  9. Check the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. Add fluid as necessary.

Hydraulic Clutch Bleeding Pressure Bleeding

Tools Required

    • J23738 Vacuum Pump
    • J45727 Rubber Stopper

    Object Number: 891662  Size: SH
  1. Tighten the bleed screw.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the bleed screw to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

  3. Make sure the pedal is in the up position.
  4. Fill the reservoir with specified fluid to the Max level.
  5. Install the J45727 and attach to a J23738, or equivalent, with a length of hose.
  6. Place and hold the stopper over the top of the reservoir to ensure a tight fit.
  7. Operate the pump to achieve 103-138 kPa (15-20 psi) on the gage.
  8. Hold the vacuum for approximately 1 minute.
  9. Slowly relieve the vacuum and remove the stopper from the reservoir.
  10. Replenish the fluid to the proper level.
  11. Repeat steps 5-9 until all air is out of the system.
  12. Replace the reservoir cap.
  13. Important: The clutch pedal will go to the floor on the first actuation, but should improve on the following actuations.

  14. Actuate the clutch pedal 10-12  times to ensure proper operation.
  15. Test drive the vehicle to ensure proper clutch operation and shifting.