MY CLUTCH FLUID IS GETTING "RUSTY" AGAIN. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC TO GET CHARGED. HOW EASY IS IT TO DO, AND WHERE DO I BLEED OUT THE FLUID?

Pull the clutch master cap and the side cover on the left rear just above the kickstand. Under the chrome side cover you'll see a bleeder. Open it until the reservoir is almost empty. Close the bleeder and fill the reservoir with Vlavoline Synpower DOT 4 fluid. Re-open the bleeder and keep filling the reservoir until fluid comes out clear down below. Close the bleeder and make sure fluid level is at the line inside the reservoir.

BTW, this is called gravity bleeding and works great on the clutch 8)

Level of difficulty is about a 2

 

Hey Jon

Thanks for explaining how simple it is to do this job. I've been after my mechanic to bleed the clutch fluid on account that it's dark brown, too. And every time I ask my arrogant mechanic, he says, "I'll get to it someday."

Well, Jon, with your inspiration, I'm gonna just do it myself. No special bleeding tools? Just open, fill, flush, and close without air in the line?

Thanks, Jack

 

This explains it. http://www.bareasschoppers.com/. Click the bleed clutch link.

 

Re: Hey Jon

Thanks for explaining how simple it is to do this job. I've been after my mechanic to bleed the clutch fluid on account that it's dark brown, too. And every time I ask my arrogant mechanic, he says, "I'll get to it someday."

Well, Jon, with your inspiration, I'm gonna just do it myself. No special bleeding tools? Just open, fill, flush, and close without air in the line?

Thanks, Jack

Yep, just let it drain. DON'T let the reservoir run dry :wink:

 

BIGT FROM F.B.
Make sure you cover your tank, also hold your front wheel tight to the right side(use a rope etc..)
good luck.
Jamal

 

If you're going to attempt this feat (easy to do 8) ) then go ahead and buy the vacuum bleeder kit and you'll be able to do your brakes as well. Harbor Freight has one on sale for like $16. I bought one a few weeks ago and it worked like a charm!!!
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92474

Ride safe,
Jamie

 

This stuff look like it is the right brake fluid to use for the brakes and clutch on an X?

Valvoline SynPower full synthetic brake fluid "exceeds DOT 3 and DOT 4":

Thanks,
Rob

 

This stuff look like it is the right brake fluid to use for the brakes and clutch on an X?

Valvoline SynPower full synthetic brake fluid "exceeds DOT 3 and DOT 4":

Thanks,
Rob

Can this valvoline product be mixed with non synthetic dot 3&4?

 

What is the benefit to switching to synthetic clutch and brake fluid? When should these services be done? I have a case of unopened Honda brake fluid from the Hurricane sale.

 

Can this valvoline product be mixed with non synthetic dot 3&4?

The Valvoline site says that it is compatible:

"Compatible with conventional brake fluids"

See http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=51

Rob

 

What is the benefit to switching to synthetic clutch and brake fluid? When should these services be done? I have a case of unopened Honda brake fluid from the Hurricane sale.

Synthetics are supposedly better at resisting water absorbtion, thereby staying fresher and more effective for longer periods of time. I'm no expert... this is just what I've heard people say.

Here is what Valvoline says:

SynPower High Performance Synthetic Brake Fluid is recommended for ABS, hydraulic drum and disc braking systems and hydraulic clutches requiring DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids. Its premium, synthetic, low-moisture formulation provides superior anti-vapor lock protection. It has a high dry-boiling point up to 500°F that reduces the risk of fluid vaporization and possible brake failure.

* Exceeds DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications
* For most ABS, disc or drum brake systems
* High boiling point reduces risk of brake failure
* Compatible with conventional brake fluids

Rob

 

My website has a ton of info on bleeding clutch and brakes, check it out if you're interested.
As for the Valvoline stuff, I can only say it's the best fluid I've ever used hands down. It resists moisture and lasts longer than just about any fluid I've ever seen.
As for service life of the fluid, the manual suggests replacement every 12k miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. 2 years is about the service life I've seen in this fluid as well.

Something to remember about hydraulic systems is that they degrade so slowly that you don't realize how far gone they are until you bleed fresh fluid in and feel that lever get solid again. If you look in your sight window on the master cylinder and see any darkness at all (the fluid should be crystal clear) then it's time to replace. I promise you that what looks "slightly brown" through the little glass window is MUCH darker when you open up that reservoir. :wink:

 

What is the benefit to switching to synthetic clutch and brake fluid? When should these services be done? I have a case of unopened Honda brake fluid from the Hurricane sale.

Bare says it right! I got my info on bleeding my brakes from his site. After I did my brakes (because I had the wheels off for chrome) I can now see the diff. in color between that reservoir and the clutch side. One is clear and the other is tan...and I only have 4500 miles :idea:

 

I use the Synpower for a multitude of reasons. One of the biggies is most brake fluid in comparison looks dirty right out of the bottle. Synpower stays crystal clear for well over a year :wink:

 

You want the reservoir as level as possible before opening. Use a jack or at least a block of wood under the kick stand and turn your handlebars full right. loosen the clutch mounting bracket on the handle bar and level it as much as you can.