I am getting a suggestion that I should try to bleed my master/slave cylinder before I replace it, which a local shop here in Arlington, VA quoted a price of $830. Is there a good how to video online on how to bleed the master/slave system for a 2008 Honda Fit Sport with a 5 speed manual? I have seen one so far, but it covers the Civic and not the Fit. Thanks.

 

If you have a vice you can bench bleed the master cylinder. You basically put the tube back into the reservoir and pump the fluid back into its own reservoir. If there is air trapped in the system, it will get pumped into the overfill reservoir and the bubbles should escape through the fill hole due to buoyancy. After installing the replacement cylinder, you would still need to bleed the brakes at the wheels (or clutch) to get rid of the air trapped air. Good luck.

 

Thank you. I was able to replace the master and slave cylinder for around $350. I understand that you have to bleed the system a couple of times to get it running 100%. It looks like my mechanic is suggesting to flush the brake fluid system as the brakes are a little soft. Will flushing the brake fluid also correct the problems with the transmission?

Thanks

 

I’m unfamiliar with the practice of “flushing the brake system”. Usually when you bleed the brakes, you do it to get rid of air and it circulates enough clean brake fluid to replace the old contaminated fluid with new clean fluid. Contaminated fluid shouldn’t affect pedal feel (unless racing and high temps) but replacing it can help prevent corrosion in the lines.

if the pedal feels spongy, there could still be air trapped in the system and bleeding it again could help. Personally, I Bleed the brakes once until I no longer see air bubbles and that’s it. Bad pedal feel can also be the result of a leak; if you notice the fluid level going down in the reservoir, be sure to check for leaks.

 

No. The hydraulic brakes and hydraulic clutch systems are completely separate. If you're still having difficultly getting it into gear after the clutch master/slave cylinders were replaced, they weren't the problem to begin with - likely need a new clutch.