Removal of air from the hydraulic clutch

Models since 9/94 (with hydraulic clutch)

The clutch actuator must be bled if the clutch pedal does not return or returns slowly, or if the hydraulic system has been opened.

Safety instructions: Since brake fluid is used in the hydraulic clutch, please also read the corresponding chapter in section "Brake system". Brake fluid is poisonous and will damage paintwork.

Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank, top up if necessary see p. 207.

Attention: The fluid level in the compensation tank must not fall too low, if necessary, always replenish the level with new brake fluid.

Raise the car from the front on the goats, if necessary, remove the lower casing of the engine compartment, see p. 10.



Remove the dust cover on the bottom of the gearbox to access the bleed valve on the slave cylinder.

Attach a transparent PVC hose to the bleeder valve.

Insert the free end of the hose into a container with brake fluid. The end of the hose must always be below the liquid level in order to exclude air from the atmosphere during its removal from the hydraulic system. Auto parts stores also have special air vent bottles. The liquid level in the container must be at least 20 cm above the valve opening to remove air.


Loosen the bleed valve carefully by approx. 1 turn. In order not to damage the valve hex, use an open ring wrench to unscrew it.

Ask an assistant to depress the clutch pedal until the release of air bubbles in the container stops.

During the operation, the fluid level in the compensation tank must be constantly replenished with new brake fluid.

Attention: When changing the brake fluid (in accordance with the maintenance card) bleed the brake fluid until a new fluid, which has a lighter color, begins to emerge.

Tighten the bleeder valve to 15 Nm. Remove the transparent hose and install the dust cover on the gearbox housing.

If removed, install lower engine compartment cover. Lower the car.

Top up the brake fluid level in the reservoir to the MAX mark.

Check the function of the brake system and clutch.