Clutch hydraulic fluid level

[merc596]

I guess I am confused as I see several other forums where owners change clutch fluid at every oil change or even every 5000 miles.
The process is as follows:
1. Remove the fluid, with syringe or something similar
2. Put in new fluid and pump clutch
3. Remove fluid and replace with additional fresh fluid

Is it necessary to change this often or is this overkill?

[c4c5specialist]

Very much overkill.

The GM service recommendation is 2 years/24000 miles.

And do not open the cylinder to check the level. Simply shine a flashlight across the side of the cylinder and you will see the fluid level.

Besides, you will never get all the fluid out of the system by doing that process.

Allthebest, c4c5

[merc596]

Thanks for the prompt response. I pretty much felt that was overkill but wanted to make sure. Also, would you recommend that the best method is to use the GM service department when changing the fluid as they have a better method of removing all of the old fluid?

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
The only CORRECT way to flush the clutch fluid, is to remove the exhaust and the driveline tunnel and access the bleeder screw at the clutch slave cylinder.

Without any headers, it takes about an hour.

Allthebest, c4c5

[ChuckG]

Another case of GM making maintenance unnecessarily complex. Really, every car should be evaluated for ease of maintenance very early in its development.

I'm convinced it's part of a make-work program to keep dealers happy.

[1c62nv]

Good info thanks, I am planning to track my car very soon,. Should I change or upgrade the clutch and brake fluid? 13k on the clock.

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
A DOT 4 brake fluid is your best alternative.

And with track usage, its always best to change it once a year, minimum.

Allthebest, c4c5

[motorman]

Originally Posted by c4c5specialist

Hi there,
A DOT 4 brake fluid is your best alternative.

And with track usage, its always best to change it once a year, minimum.

Allthebest, c4c5

do corvettes that only see 2,000/3,000 miles a year need to change the clutch fluid every 2 years? same for oil changes do you need to change the oil every year if all the mileage is highway trips ?? my corvette is only used 6 months a year due to the use of anti skid material they use here in Pa. for winter that will chip the paint so you have to wait till the state crews sweep it up in the spring..

[NORTY]

If your fluid looks like coffee, get it out. It's supposed to be clear.

TIP: Clean the underside of the cap as "gel" forms in the crevices. You don't need this gel breaking off and falling into the clutch pedal system. Could this "gel" be the culprit of the "sticking pedal" syndrome? Maybe, maybe not, but either way, you don't need "gel" in your system.

[motorman]

Originally Posted by NORTY

If your fluid looks like coffee, get it out. It's supposed to be clear.

TIP: Clean the underside of the cap as "gel" forms in the crevices. You don't need this gel breaking off and falling into the clutch pedal system. Could this "gel" be the culprit of the "sticking pedal" syndrome? Maybe, maybe not, but either way, you don't need "gel" in your system.

my 08 has 8200 miles on it is only use it for corvette club events and going to bowling green a couple of times a year. the discoloration of the fluid happens in all systems as it is the mold release used in making the rubber parts of the system. same thing that turns your tires brown. my dirt bike and quads turn the fluid brown in just a few rides