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Steps: |
| 1. |
Determine whether your car has a hydraulic clutch. (Image
a.) |
| 2. |
Turn the engine off and open the hood. |
| 3. |
Look for a small plastic container about 1 inch in diameter located
close to the back of the engine, usually near the brake fluid reservoir.
It looks a lot like the brake fluid reservoir but it's smaller. Imagine
that the clutch pedal went straight through into the engine compartment:
this is where you'll find the clutch master cylinder and clutch
reservoir. |
| 4. |
Check the fluid level. The reservoir is usually clear with a small
round rubber cap on the top; it should be filled to the top. (Image
b.) |
| 5. |
Add brake fluid if it's low. (Image
c.) |
| 6. |
Replace the cap. |
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| click photos to enlarge |
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Tips: |
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The hydraulic clutch uses brake fluid. There's no such thing as
"clutch fluid" - you'll get laughed at if you go into an auto
parts shop asking for it. |
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Cars with a clutch cable do not use any fluid. |
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A leak can often be seen at the reservoir/clutch master cylinder, at
the other end of the clutch hydraulic line at the clutch slave cylinder,
or inside the car behind the clutch pedal. |
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Warnings: |
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Take care not to spill brake fluid on yourself or the car's paint -
it's highly corrosive. Wash your hands and wipe any spills with a rag. |
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If the clutch reservoir is consistently low you probably have a leak.
The reservoir is very small so even a little leak can empty it out
quickly. Without fluid, your clutch pedal is useless so you won't be
able to shift, or to drive. See your mechanic if you suspect a leak. |
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