Clutch fluid question

[Robson Rover Repair]

Bled the clutch today (and made a total balls up of it, but anyways), and the clutch is now spot on. Lets just hope it stays that way, and isnt a leaky cylinder etc.

Also a quick question, does anyone else fill the ''condom'' with fluid upon refitting, or leave it empty? I left it empty, but wasnt sure. Anyone?

[mikey_32]

I'm sure someone will be along soon to correct me if I'm wrong, but, I think the "condom" should be left empty and is there as like a baffle and seal to keep the fluid under control.

[Robson Rover Repair]

Thats what I thought also. Think that solves that mystery then. Now ive just gotta work how to get brake fluid outta the carpet.

[T-Cut]

Frankly, you can leave the condom out altogether. It takes up a lot of space and you'll get more fluid into the reservoir. The condom was fitted on the presumption that the cylinder would last forever without the need for bleeds/top-ups. It simply seals the cap airtight and expands/contracts as the fluid moves arond the system. The cap doesn't have to be airtight as long as you plan on an annual or bi-annual refresh. If you replace the condom with a rubber seal, remember it needs air to get in (like the brake master) to allow free cycling of the fluid and correct pedal travel.

TC

[bl52krz]

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Frankly, you can leave the condom out altogether. It takes up a lot of space and you'll get more fluid into the reservoir. The condom was fitted on the presumption that the cylinder would last forever without the need for bleeds/top-ups. It simply seals the cap airtight and expands/contracts as the fluid moves arond the system. The cap doesn't have to be airtight as long as you plan on an annual or bi-annual refresh. If you replace the condom with a rubber seal, remember it needs air to get in (like the brake master) to allow free cycling of the fluid and correct pedal travel.

TC

hi t-cut. just wondering, when i bleed mine,i didn't notice if there was a small hole in the cap. is there?
would the "condom" be to trap some air in the master cylinder?
seems a daft idea to me, but perhaps that is what it is for.

[Robson Rover Repair]

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Frankly, you can leave the condom out altogether. It takes up a lot of space and you'll get more fluid into the reservoir. The condom was fitted on the presumption that the cylinder would last forever without the need for bleeds/top-ups. It simply seals the cap airtight and expands/contracts as the fluid moves arond the system. The cap doesn't have to be airtight as long as you plan on an annual or bi-annual refresh. If you replace the condom with a rubber seal, remember it needs air to get in (like the brake master) to allow free cycling of the fluid and correct pedal travel.

TC

Thanks. I may just leave it in, but top it up soon enough. Im unsure if the clutch leaks or the fluid was just bad, but things seem much better in the car. Lets hope it doesnt leak out again.

[chris75]

Originally Posted by bl52krz

[B][COLOR=blue]would the "condom" be to trap some air in the master cylinder?
seems a daft idea to me, but perhaps that is what it is for.

No , T -Cut is quite right as usual !
It simply seals the cap airtight and expands/contracts as the fluid moves arond the system.
The same arrangement was used on the 400 series before the 75s.