How to Bleed the Clutch on a 2002 Lancer

by Harvey Birdman

The clutch is a friction pad that engages the flywheel of the engine to turn the transmission. The clutch in the Mitsubishi Lancer is hydraulically actuated, meaning a hydraulic actuator, called the slave cylinder, pushes the pad into place. Hydraulic systems rely on oil pressure to move objects. However, this oil needs to be changed periodically to ensure the transmission operates properly. Doing this by yourself can save you hundreds in repair costs.

Step 1

Jack the front of the Mitsubishi Lancer up. Use a a car jack to lift the car up and jack stands to hold the front up. Use one stand on each side. Locate the the slave cylinder the moves the clutch into contact with the flywheel, it will look like a hydraulic ram. Slide an oil pan under the slave cylinder to collect the oil.

Step 2

Unscrew the bleeder plug on the slave cylinder and let it drain into the oil pan. It can take up to ten minutes for hydraulics to fully drain. You can help the drain along by pumping the clutch pedal in the Lancer. Once the draining is done, push the clutch all the way down with a brick and screw the plug back down.

Step 3

Take the brick off of the clutch pedal and then fill the brake reservoir up with brake fluid. Pumping the clutch pedal can help suck the brake fluid down but do not do it unless the fluid is up to the lip of the reservoir. Bleed the slave cylinder again, this helps catch any leftover air. Screw the plug down once it drips.

Step 4

Fill the reservoir again and stop when it is full. Lower the jack stands and turn the Lancer on. Test the clutch by trying to shift gears, if there is any play while in gear then there are air bubbles in the hydraulics and the clutch needs to be re-bled.

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