Bleeding a hydraulic clutch system on a 2007 Forester

[DoubleDingo]

I replaced my master and slave cylinders on my Forester over the weekend. I thought bleeding the system was pretty straight forward, like bleeding brakes. Apparently not. No fluid wants to come out of the bleeder valve on the slave cylinder. Have any of you ever bled a clutch system on a Subaru? Yes there is fluid in the master cylinder, and there aren't any blockages in the hose. Pedal stays down on the floor and won't return, therefore, the car is not driveable. Any ideas? I've done some google searches, and found some different methods to try, but if you guys have some real world experience, share what worked.

 

[DoubleDingo]

It doesn't have to be a 2007, just a Subaru.

 

[DoubleDingo]

I found some literature on it. Been doing it correctly, but for some reason these systems are a pain to bleed and get good pedal afterwards.

 

[bucket]

I'm not familiar with the Subaru, but a good trick is to remove the slave with the line still connected, then push the rod in a few times. It forces the air up and out through the master.

 

[DoubleDingo]

I'll give that a try when I do this on Wednesday. Had to get stuff after work and tomorrow I'm playing golf after work.

 

[yevgenievich]

Also if the hole in the master lines up for it, a syringe can be used to push the fluid directly through the hole.

 

[DoubleDingo]

This one doesn't line up like that, the syringe would hit the firewall.

 

[75Monza]

What I use is a pneumatic bleeder, like the one here about 7+ min in. Got tired of beating my head against the wall trying to do it myself.

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[75Monza]

Can find a cheap one on ebay for around $20-$30.

 

[DoubleDingo]

@75Monza I watched that video before I tore into this mess and two others so I knew what needed to be taken off. I considered getting one of those vacuum bleeders when this wasn't going as planned. Yesterday, on top of starting this thread, I also emailed the gal that I get my factory parts from to see what method they use at the dealership when bleeding these systems. I explained to her the method I was using and she said it was the right method.

One thing that I forgot to share here, was that my wife, being vertically challenged and not fully aware of how to work on cars, yet, didn't know that the pedal needs to be pressed to the floor. The driver's seat is all the way back for me to have better access to the underdash workings of the pedals, and she didn't have the second pillow behind her, therefore, she was unable to press the pedal completely to the floor. Tonight we both have plans, but I now have the stuff to try this a second time, so tomorrow we will try again, but with her having ample pillows behind her so her short legs can press the pedal to the floor.

We did some more bleeding Sunday after I learned she wasn't pressing the pedal all the way down, but that was with the slave bolted back on the bellhousing. We ran out of daylight and brake fluid. Yesterday I bought a big bottle of fluid and four feet of tubing to make sure the hose is in a separate bottle of the expelled fluid. I'm confident the clamp method will work this time around. I'll let all y'all know how it turns out.

If the normal method won't work, the vacuum bleeder will be purchased on payday this week.

 

[75Monza]

Consider it as an excuse for new tools..."but honey, I had to get it to get your car working correctly"!

 

[DoubleDingo]

Finally got it bled. Clutch is toast. Won't fully engage. Oh well, I have the clutch kit, just been waiting for the moment when the clutch gave up to replace it.