How to Bleed a Clutch on the 91 Nissan 300ZX

by Justin Cupler

The Z-car lineup dates back to the 1970 release of the Datsun 240Z. The Z-car went through several name changes – 260Z, 280Z and 280ZX – until finally settling on the 300ZX in 1984. In 1990, Nissan revolutionized the Japanese sports car market with the release of a completely redesigned 300ZX. The 1991 300ZX came standard with a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter engine that cranked out a relatively tame 222 horsepower, and it had an optional twin-turbo 3.0-liter that pushed out 300 horsepower. Bleeding the clutch on all 1991 300ZX models is the same straightforward process.

Step 1

Unscrew the cap from the clutch master cylinder and fill it to the “Max” line with new DOT 3 brake fluid. Screw the cap back onto the master cylinder.

Step 2

Lift the front of the 300ZX with a floor jack and position jack stands under its frame rails. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.

Step 3

Crawl under the driver’s side of the vehicle and find the clutch slave cylinder on the driver’s side of the transmission. Find the bleeder valve – the 1/4-inch metal valve near the rear of the slave cylinder.

Step 4

Press a 1/4-inch inside diameter clear vinyl hose onto the bleeder valve. Place the other end of the hose into a clean and clear container. Pour DOT 3 brake fluid into the container until the fluid submerges the open end of the hose.

Step 5

Instruct an assistant to press and release the clutch pedal five times, then hold it to the floor. Turn the bleeder valve a full turn counterclockwise with a combination wrench and watch the submerged end of the clear hose for bubbles. Tighten the bleeder valve. Repeat this step until no bubbles come from the hose.

Step 6

Remove the hose from the slave cylinder. Raise the 300ZX off of the jack stands and remove the stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

Step 7

Refill the clutch master cylinder with DOT 3 brake fluid, then find the clutch pipe junction bolted to the passenger’s side fender. Find the bleeder valve on the front of the junction and press the 1/4-inch inside diameter clear vinyl hose onto the bleeder valve.

Step 8

Place the other end of the clear hose in the clean and clear container and submerge the hose in the container with DOT 3 brake fluid.

Step 9

Repeat step 5 to bleed the air from the clutch pipe junction.

Step 10

Pull the hose from the bleeder valve and refill the clutch master cylinder with DOT 3 brake fluid. Test the operation of the clutch and bleed it again, if it feels spongy or soft.

Take any old clutch fluid to a used automotive fluid recycler for disposal. Some auto parts stores take old fluids free of charge.