Manual Transmission Clutches: Bleeding

NOTE: Bleeding the hydraulic clutch system is necessary whenever the level of fluid in the clutch master cylinder reservoir has been allowed to fall so low that air has been drawn into the master cylinder.

CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer, memory systems and remote keyless entry transmitters lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. Information transmitters (tire pressure, door lock/unlock, seat position memory, etc.) if equipped, may not operate until reprogrammed. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION. See REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS - CORVETTE article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT before disconnecting battery.

CAUTION: DO NOT use silicone, mineral or paraffin base oil in clutch hydraulic system, or damage to rubber parts in cylinders may occur.

Clean all dirt and debris from the clutch master cylinder cap to ensure that no foreign substances will enter the system. Remove the clutch master cylinder reservoir cap with diaphragm.
Fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir with Clutch Hydraulic Fluid (12345347), if necessary.
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Remove the catalytic converter. Refer to CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT in ENGINE EXHAUST. Remove the driveline tunnel closeout panel.
Have an assistant depress the clutch pedal fully and hold. Loosen the bleeder screw on the actuator cylinder to purge air. Tighten the bleeder screw. Release the clutch pedal. Repeat until all air is completely evacuated. Check and refill the clutch master cylinder reservoir with clutch hydraulic fluid as necessary in order to prevent air from being drawn through the clutch master cylinder.
Fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir to proper level; with clutch hydraulic fluid, if necessary. Install the driveline tunnel closeout panel. Install the catalytic converter. Refer to CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT in ENGINE EXHAUST. Lower the vehicle.