How to Bleed the Clutch on a 93 Ford F-150

by Lee Newberry

red truck front view on metal background image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com

The Ford Motor Company utilized a mechanically operated clutch system on early truck models. Although the clutch system was reliable, it required routine maintenance and adjustments to keep the system operational due to its multitude of linkages and moving mechanical parts. The introduction of the hydraulic clutch system was a breakthrough in clutch technology, offering the automotive consumer less maintenance and extended reliability. As with any automotive component, regular service is required to maintain proper function of the clutch system. When any hydraulic clutch component is serviced or removed, bleeding of the clutch system is required. Ford F-150 clutch bleeding can be performed with moderate automotive-repair knowledge and common tools.

Step 1

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the vehicle's battery.

Step 2

Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack. Place a jack stand under each "A" arm, which is located directly behind each front wheel assembly. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is safely supported. Remove the jack.

Step 3

Locate the master cylinder reservoir. The reservoir is located on the driver side of the vehicle, in the engine compartment, against the firewall. Wipe all of the dirt and debris off the master cylinder and master cylinder cap with a clean, dry cloth. Engine cleaner can be used if the unit is extremely dirty.

Step 4

Remove the master cylinder cap and diaphragm and set them aside.

Step 5

Locate the clutch slave cylinder. The slave cylinder is located under the vehicle on the driver side of the transmission bell housing.

Step 6

Place a 6-inch piece of rubber tubing onto the bleed screw. The bleed screw is located on the side of the slave cylinder and will have a hole in the center of the screw. Place an empty bucket or container under the slave cylinder and put the loose end of the rubber tubing into the bucket to catch any used hydraulic fluids.

Step 7

Loosen the bleed screw by turning it counterclockwise with a box-end wrench until hydraulic fluid starts to flow out of the rubber tubing into the bucket. Once all of the air bubbles stop coming from the rubber tubing and a solid stream of hydraulic fluid is present, close the bleed screw by turning it clockwise with a box-end wrench. Do not completely remove the bleed screw during this process.

Step 8

Add "D.O.T.3" brake fluid to the master cylinder reservoir to the fill line. Leave the master cylinder cap and diaphragm off at this time.

Step 9

Place a second person inside the vehicle. Fully depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor and quickly release. Repeat this process until the clutch pedal has been fully depressed and released 10 times. This process forces any remaining air down toward the slave cylinder. Do not let the clutch master cylinder run dry during this process. Add "D.O.T. 3" brake fluid as needed.

Step 10

Press and hold the clutch pedal to the floor.

Step 11

Loosen the bleed screw on the clutch slave cylinder and leave the bleed screw open until all of the air is evacuated from the system through the rubber tubing and a steady flow of hydraulic fluid is coming out. Tighten the bleed screw, using a box-end wrench, and turn the bleed screw clockwise. Remove the rubber tubing.