bleeding the clutch

[DucGirl]

So lately I've noticed that I have abut 1/4" of travel before my clutch is fully disengaged (that's after the typical amount of play in the lever).

So I decided I would bleed the line to see if I could make it any better....

every time I would squeeze the clutch lever with teh valve open I would get rather large air bubbles. I went through like a half a bottle of dot 4 thinking that I would eventually get all of the air out of the line - but I never did.

What could be the cause of this? Slave cylinder going out?

I'm kinda new to the mechanics of this part of the bike so I'm a little unclear as to how all of this goes together and functions...

does anyone have any tips, tricks, or ideas as to what I can do to trouble shoot this?

[HotChickenStrips]

It looks like maybe the clutch master cylinder may be going bad, but the most likely source of the bubbles is between the reservoir and the cylinder itself. Whatkind of reservoir does the Duc has? remote? (a metal/plastic reservoir connected with a short hose to the cylinder) or is it cast right onto the cylinder (they are usually rectangular).

Another problem could be the slave cylinder, but they will leak out almost every time.

[kurt]

Try this: Tie the clutch lever against the grip overnight and it might allow some of the bubbles to escape to the top. It works very well on front brakes, and may work on clutches too depending on where the bubbles are in the line.

[DucGirl]

that's a darn good idea!

I'll go tie it back right now and see if it's any better tonight!

[kurt]

You didn't say, so I'll ask the obvious....You are closing the valve before you release the clutch lever? If not you are sucking air back into the line. Personally, a Mity-Vac was a great investment and makes this chore SO much more enjoyable. :-D

[DucGirl]

yes - I am, completely - same way I did it on the brakes

if anything someone would say I was being overly cautious to close the valve before releasing the lever....=/

[kurt]

OK, just making sure. :-D I only ask because...um...well....I have this friend who ...... :oops:

[old paul]

Never had to do it on a bike, but when bleeding car clutch hydraulics, I found the easiest way is to simply open the slave and let it flow. After about a can goes through the master, you're sure to be in good shape.
Be sure there are no holes in the connecting lines, and good luck.