Clutch bleeding issue!?

Hi my name is Scott and I have a 2000 Tacoma 4X4 with the 2.7 liter 4 cylinder. I was driving the other day and went to shift gears and the clutch pedal went all the way to the floor with no resistance. I assumed that I either ruined the slave cylinder or the clutch master cylinder. I have replaced both of them twice! I can't get all of the air to bleed out of the slave cylinder. I bench bled the master cylinder and it bled out fine, the slave cylinder on the other hand has a constant supply of air bubbles and for the life of me I can't get it to bleed out. I have tried gravity bleeding, I have had a friend pump the pedal and hold pressure while I crack it loose and retighten. I have even tried using a Mighty Vac to suck the air bubbles out. All of the lines are tight between the master and the slave. I am barely getting any travel on the slave cylinder. What in the world am I doing wrong!? Did I misdiagnose the problem with the truck or are these things ridiculously difficult to bleed out? Thanks Scott

 

Did you figure the cause of the failure to the part that failed ?

Some place your still sucking in air.

It is possible to still suck air even though fluid does not leak.

Did you get the correct slave cylinder so many parts boxed wrong

Then just what brand parts did you use??

I have had cheap Chinese parts fail out of the box.

Bleeder valves that do not seal and draw in air

Has your Rubber hose been replaced possible it might be ballooning?

Just like any hydraulics does pumping pedal get you a firm pedal?

I have used a vacuum bleeder with no real issues

 

It does sound like you're introducing air into the system as you're working. Bleeding the clutch on these trucks is a pretty easy task.

Agreed. I changed the clutch on my '94 Ranger and used the auto parts store cheapo stuff (China) for the hydraulics, and that was absolutely a mistake. I never could get the system bled correctly and I literally spent days working on it. After replacing that stuff with quality (Luk and Ford/Motorcraft) parts, the system was bled once and was fully functional.

 

I have not determined which part failed. I can take them apart and see which one had an issue. I got the correct parts, they all match when you set them side by side anyways. I used the factory replacement parts from Napa. I will try and see if the bleeder valve isn't sealing, thanks that is a good idea. It barely builds up any pressure so it must have a bunch of air in the system still.

 

is there any play in the pushrod? If the spool valve in the clutch master cylinder is not allowed to fully return the charge port will not be exposed to allow for a full shot of fluid.

 

It does have just a little bit of play. I'll try giving it slightly more.

 

"...the factory replacement parts..."

I think that maybe you are assuming that the factory that made the parts is the same one that sells Genuine Toyota Parts to the Toyota dealers. Not the case.

Please don't take this post personal. It is not intended to be a barb against you, but a statement against those who make cheap shit in some chinese sweat shop, label it as "genuine factory replacement", and then peddle the crap to unsuspecting folks.

Always use Genuine Factory Parts for your Tacoma. It's easy to cheap out on brake and clutch parts, but then there will be consequences to be paid.

 

Lol you are probably right. I have had two new Master cylinders, two new slave cylinders, and none have worked.

 

Whats the best way to bleed the clutch, I'm gonna put on a new line?

 

Since I am alone most times I use a Vacuum bleeder .

Really what ever gets the air out

 

You can leave the bleeder screw loose for a bit and let gravity help. Check this thing, make sure it’s not busted. If you push on the clutch and the plunger shaft buckles and looks screwed up it’s bad

 

I ordered a master and slave cylinder from the dealership and will install both of those tomorrow. Will let you know how that goes.

 

Been there.
I don't think its the parts you've been playing with, because you went thru all that fluid.
Your truck is 20 years old!
I think you have a rusted, rubbed, worn, pinhole somewhere.
That's probably what sent you on this chase.
No worries, you started where we all would have !

 

I put the Toyota parts on and it bled right out, no bubbles. Seems to have lots of travel but I still can't get it into gear!? Seems like it's not pushing on the clutch.

 

One of those things folded over on my Taco. WTF is the purpose of it?

 

I found the problem....the clutch fork broke in half!

 

Well now you know !

Since it is coming out Time for a New Clutch while it is apart I know I would

 

I believe it’s supposed to keep the plunger shaft running true as the pedal is pressed but I have personally seen two busted ones. I imagine you could throw together something better with stuff found at a hardware store

 

After seeing this (yes it's next model up tacoma but similar setup right), I want to make sure I will properly be able to bleed my clutch: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/5spd-bleeding-clutch-need-help.555245/page-4

Going to install a crown clutch line. After putting the new line on... Open the bleeder screw attached to hose submerged in fluid, and gravity bleed for few minutes. Close bleeder screw. Then vigorously hand pump clutch. Stop pumping, open bleeder screw, gravity feed, close, then recheck clutch. Sound right? Of course making sure reservoir is full at all times.