which may be contaminated, is returned to the system. The
method is outlined as follows:
1. Open the bleeder valve by loosening it about a
quarter or half turn.
2. If the bleeder valve has a cap, remove it at this time.
Attach a hose to the end of the open bleeder valve.
Place the free end of the hose in a clear container of
brake fluid.
3. Fill the system reservoir with fresh brake fluid, and
replace the cap.
4. Pump the clutch pedal until bubbles stop coming out
of the hose in the container. You might want to have
an assistant watch for the bubbles for you to make the
job easier.
5. With the clutch pedal released, close the bleeder valve.
Clutch Removal
The exact procedure for clutch removal varies
according to the engine and drive train layout. On vehi-
cles with rear-wheel drive and on many vehicles with
front-wheel drive, the transmission and clutch are
removed from the vehicle without removing the engine.
On some front-wheel drive and on most rear-engine
vehicles, the engine, clutch, and transaxle are removed
from the vehicle as an assembly. When removed from
the car, the components are separated to expose the
clutch assembly. On other front-wheel drive vehicles,
the engine and clutch are removed, leaving the
transaxle in the vehicle. On a few vehicles, the clutch
can be removed and replaced without removing any
other components.
The following sections contain some general proce-
dures for removing a clutch from a vehicle. Always refer to
the appropriate service information for specific procedures.
Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive
The following procedure details the proper way to
remove a clutch from a front-engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle:
1. Disconnect the battery negative cable, Figure 7-15.
Warning: Always disconnect the battery
ground cable before working near the
clutch. Otherwise, if the starter is acciden-
tally operated, you could be severely injured.
2. Raise the vehicle with an approved hoist or hydraulic
jack. If using a hydraulic jack, be sure to install good
quality jack stands under the vehicle frame before
getting under the vehicle.
Warning: Never work under a vehicle
supported only by a hydraulic jack. Always
support the vehicle with jack stands.
3. Once the vehicle is properly raised and supported,
remove the drive shaft assembly. (Chapter 13 covers
this in detail.) Cap the rear of the transmission to pre-
vent oil dripping. See Figure 7-16. If the vehicle has
four-wheel or all wheel drive, remove the front drive
shaft from the transfer case.
Warning: If the vehicle has been operated
recently, the engine and exhaust system
will be hot. Always be careful when working
on a hot engine.
4. Disconnect the pushrod or cable and return spring
connected to the clutch fork.
5. Remove the transmission. (Chapter 9 covers trans-
mission removal in detail.) On many vehicles, the
clutch housing and transmission case are com-
bined in a single casting. In such cases, the clutch
housing is removed along with the transmission by
removing the unit from the back of the engine.
Note that the transmission input shaft and front
bearing retainer are removed with the transmission.
In addition, the clutch fork and throwout bearing
assembly are removed with the one-piece, or integral-
type, casting. If the vehicle has a transfer case, the
transmission and transfer case can be removed as
a unit.
Chapter 7 Clutch Problems, Troubleshooting, and Service 137
Disconnect battery
Figure 7-15. The battery should always be disconnected at the
ground terminal before beginning any clutch repairs. If the
battery is not disconnected, there is always a possibility that
the starter will be operated, causing injury. (Subaru)