How to Adjust a Jeep Wrangler's Clutch
by Dianne Christensen-HermanIf the clutch pedal in your Jeep Wrangler begins to feel spongy, you have difficulty shifting and sometimes the gears in the manual transmission grind, you may need to adjust the clutch. A Jeep Wrangler's transmission is operated by a simple hydraulic system and adjusting the clutch is referred to as "bleeding" the clutch. Bleeding or adjusting the clutch can be done in less than 30 minutes using simple tools.
Step 1
Fill the clutch master cylinder's reservoir with brake fluid. This is usually located beneath the hood on the driver's side near the right fender. Find the bleeder bolt or screw close to the slave cylinder, which is mounted near the transmission. The bleeder bolt is recessed into the slave cylinder or protrudes from the transmission or clutch assembly.
Step 2
Set a small basin beneath the bleeder valve to catch any excess fluid. Ask an assistant to pump the clutch pedal several times, and then hold it down. While the clutch is held in place, open the bleeder screw with a hand wrench and close it after five seconds.
Step 3
Continue holding down the clutch pedal and opening and closing the bleeder screw. Keep checking that the clutch reservoir is full of fluid.
Step 4
Discontinue bleeding when the clutch pedal feels stiff.
References
- Chilton: Jeep Repair Manual 1987-08; North America; 2009
Tips
- If the Jeep's clutch pedal does not stiffen after completing the above steps, most likely the hydraulic clutch system has a damaged part.
- If the clutch is not operating properly after bleeding it, avoid driving the Jeep. Driving a vehicle with a damaged clutch can cause serious damage to the transmission.
Things You'll Need
- Brake fluid
- Small basin
- 8mm flare nut wrench
- Assistant
