Brake Fluid vs Clutch Fluid
#1
05-13-08, 06:19 PM
Brake Fluid vs Clutch Fluid
My "Clutch fluid" reservoir is dipping below the MIN level line. Is it true that I supposed add Brake fluid to top it off?
Also, I understand that clutches normally wear down. Is this why my "Clutch fluid" reservoir level dropped?
Thanks in advance.
Also, I understand that clutches normally wear down. Is this why my "Clutch fluid" reservoir level dropped?
Thanks in advance.
#2
05-13-08, 06:46 PM
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Look at the cap on the clutch reservoir.....Unless it specifically states not to , brake fluid is to be used.....Off hand, the only thing I can think of would be Saab, and some Volkswagens.
As far as wear, you are thinking of brakes, And the fluid taking up the space in a caliper. You probably have a leak. If the clutch still performs properly, It is not a pressurized leak, and first place to look is inside the car, under the dash, where the clutch pedal pushrod meets the firewall. Pull back the carpeting. If any traces of fluid are found...replace the Clutch Master Cylinder.
As far as wear, you are thinking of brakes, And the fluid taking up the space in a caliper. You probably have a leak. If the clutch still performs properly, It is not a pressurized leak, and first place to look is inside the car, under the dash, where the clutch pedal pushrod meets the firewall. Pull back the carpeting. If any traces of fluid are found...replace the Clutch Master Cylinder.
#3
05-13-08, 06:47 PM
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Clutch fluid and brake fluid are the same. They are just packaged differently. Clutches do wear, but you should never see a noticeable drop in fluid level due to NORMAL wear. Abnormal wear is a different story. You could have a leak.
Billy
Billy
#4
05-13-08, 07:58 PM
Ok gotcha. Clutch still works, the engine has a funny brakefluid smell a long drive. It looks like i'm in deep doo doo. ($$$) Thank you all.
#5
05-14-08, 07:25 AM
Group Moderator
You didn't mention make/model, but on vehicles with hydraulic clutches a leaking slave cylinder is often the culprit when losing fluid. Some vehicles the slave is entirely external to the clutch/tranny and some are inside. Eihter way, some leakage from the slave could make its way to somewhere to get hot enough to give you some odor.
#6
05-14-08, 12:04 PM
Originally Posted by the_tow_guy
You didn't mention make/model, but on vehicles with hydraulic clutches a leaking slave cylinder is often the culprit when losing fluid. Some vehicles the slave is entirely external to the clutch/tranny and some are inside. Eihter way, some leakage from the slave could make its way to somewhere to get hot enough to give you some odor.
Maybe I should top off the reservoir and observe the level drop rate more carefully? I'm saying this because I may have overlooked this problem in the past and I don't know if it's a recent problem or something that has started more than a year ago.
Thanks all for the free advice.
#7
05-14-08, 12:39 PM
Group Moderator
Toyotas and I go way back. All the manual Toyotas I ever owned had external slave cylinders and were extremely easy to replace whn they leaked - two bolts and the hydraulic line. Normally they are mounted on the side of the bellhousing and there is a lever that goes inside to do the work. That's rear wheel drive, I believe? The slave should be on the left side of the bellhousing; might not be visible from above with all the junk crammed in under hoods nowadays. I'm sure none of mine made it to 120k miles without having to replace the slave, but they weren't Lexuses (Lexi?).
#8
05-15-08, 11:38 AM
Originally Posted by the_tow_guy
Toyotas and I go way back. All the manual Toyotas I ever owned had external slave cylinders and were extremely easy to replace whn they leaked - two bolts and the hydraulic line. Normally they are mounted on the side of the bellhousing and there is a lever that goes inside to do the work. That's rear wheel drive, I believe? The slave should be on the left side of the bellhousing; might not be visible from above with all the junk crammed in under hoods nowadays. I'm sure none of mine made it to 120k miles without having to replace the slave, but they weren't Lexuses (Lexi?).
I went to the Pep Boys last night to buy a bottle of DOT 3 brake fluid. The price of it was $3.99. However, on the shelf, to the right of it were the bottles of non-DOT3 clutch fluid, same amount as the brake fluid, but the price was $5.99. Hmmm, is there really a difference or is it just a label as billys68ss suggested? BTW I went with the DOT3 brake fluid since the manual vaguely suggested some "DOT3 replacement".
#9
05-15-08, 05:53 PM
Group Moderator
I confess I have never even heard of "non-DOT3 clutch fluid". Sounds a bit like the 50/50 premixed antifreeze you can buy now (for the same price as 100%; hmmm, doesn't that make it cost twice as much???).
