I would like to help anyone having a problem with a 2.2dci bleedless hydraulic system with a low pedal. Usually with these the clutch gets replaced with a lot of life left in them which can make engaging gear even worse. As I found out! Renault dealers will tell you it cannot be bled and you will have to replace it at a cost of 300quid plus labour (5hours, because of dashboard removal!) I am NOT a mechanic and I had the dashboard out in well under an hour (its really only around the steering column, and glovebox removal), the clutch pedal still connected to the the master and hydraulic line (4 bolts and a rubber bung in the bulkhead) and the slave cylinder. (I dont know what the lads at Renault do but they dont do it very quickly!) The slave comes off with two easily got bolts and simply disconnect the hydraulic line (i used a screwdriver). Once the slave is in hand push the push rod into the slave, if it moves then there is air in there. Simply fill the connector with fluid and get screw driver and gently push down the outer black part, if it drinks it all repeat until the push rod is solid. You may need to gently work the push until all the air is out. Part 1 complete, do not put back on the car yet! The other part with with the pedal is more tricky but only because its easier with two people. I clampled the clutch pedal housing to a vice and fixed the male connector to a long stick with.... sellotape, because we need somewhere to put fluid a piece of rubber hose was put on the male connector and the the same process was repeated until I was confident I had expelled the air and there was no movement in the pedal. Well done you now have a lovely feeling clutch ( unless there is leaky seals). The hardest part of the job is the rubber bung ( do not give up or it will sound like a tank when driving!) Feed the male connector back through the bulkhead and attach to the slave BEFORE you mount the slave in place (the slave will engage the clutch a bit with enough pressure to stop you reconnecting the pipes!) Again... I found out! Rebuild dashboard and hopefully your ready to roll! I only used 1 flat scewdriver, one torx allen key, 1 small screwdriver (for the connector plungers) 1 13 spanner. Minimal fluid, a stick, some sellotape, a vice and a pice of rubber pipe! :0) Hope this helps anyone with the same problem. If I had to do it again I reckon I could in an hour and half with a couple brews in to boot. This job is quick and easy.... apart fron the rubber bung because if you get giddy poking it in with a scewdriver you could rupture an air con pipe attached to the bulkhead (renault technicians have done this, I didnt but I did have to take the dash out again to do it better!!) Yes... I swore a little bit but you dont learn if you dont do it wrong :0)
|