If
you have been driving your C6 and have experienced a soft or hanging
clutch peddle there is an easy remedy. The C6 hydraulic clutch system
has a propensity for accumulating prodigious amounts of dust, water and
other nasty material.
If left unchecked this fouled fluid will cause erratic clutch action
and may even leave you with a clutch peddle that hangs up between
shifts. Fortunately the fix and prevention is an easy task.
For starters take a look at the color of the hydraulic fluid that
resides in your cars clutch reservoir. If the fluid is a murky brown in
color the fluid need to be changed. Go down to your local GM dealer and
purchase a few bottles of super duty DOT-4 brake and clutch fluid GM
PN# 88958860. This is the fluid that is recommended for use in your C6.
Be prepared to pay about $9 for an eight and a half ounce can of this
stuff.
The jury is still out on the use of
cheaper DOT-4 fluids available in the Mart stores. Most people we know
say they use Prestone brand DOT-4 synthetic fluid with good results. As
far as we are concerned you should listen to the General and stick with
the factory brand.
The clutch reservoir is located next to the brake
fluid reservoir.
Protect your fenders and the surrounding areas as clutch fluid will eat
through your paint.
Carefully twist and pull to get the cap off. Clean
off the rubber fluid gasket under the cap with a clean rag.
Using a syringe, turkey baster or other fluid drawing device, suck out
the dirty fluid in the clutch reservoir. We used a rubber infant nasal
aspirator with great results.
Squeeze the old fluid into a plastic bottle for proper disposal.
Refill
the reservoir with fresh fluid. Place the cap back on the reservoir.
Get in your car and repeatedly depress the clutch peddle to the floor
about thirty times. Repeat the drain, refill and clutch peddle depress
process until the fluid in the reservoir looks clear. It took us ten
refills until the fluid cleared up. This
procedure may have to be repeated once per week over the course of a
month until the fluid remains clear. This may sound like a pain in the
ass but the results are definitely worth it.
