I know the clutch system uses brake fluid. I just had the brake fluid changed (at 3 yrs, per owner's manual), but I forgot to ask about bleeding the clutch and replacing the fluid. Is there a recommended interval for changing the clutch fluid?

Does the GK5 have a separate reservoir for the clutch fluid, or is it shared with the brake fluid reservoir?

 

[QUOTE=jhass;1452181Does the GK5 have a separate reservoir for the clutch fluid, or is it shared with the brake fluid reservoir?[/QUOTE]

The clutch fluid would have to be completely separate from the brake fluid for safety reasons - you wouldn't want a clutch leak to cause loss of braking nor would you want dirt from the clutch contaminating the braking system. I've never heard of a clutch reservoir.

 

No idea...but I do know my gearbox fluid is due for a drain/fill next time I get my oil changed...

 

It's the same fluid. It will age in the same way. Change it the you change the brake fluid.

 

Okay, somebody needs to clarify what we are talking about here. The white plastic thing where you check the clutch fluid level — isn't that the "clutch reservoir"? If not, what is its name?

 

That makes good sense. I called two different Honda dealers and talked to their service departments. Since it is a single reservoir, changing the brake fluid = changing the clutch fluid. Both said that bleeding the clutch is not needed, except if clutch components are being replaced.

 

Indeed it is. But my 2018 Fit has only one reservoir, which holds fluid for both the brakes and the clutch. This changed in 2018, according to the dealers I talked to.

 

I disagree. You want to clean the system, not just the reservoir, so I would bleed the brakes and the clutch.

Ah, I did not know that. I'm living in 2013. I have a separate reservoir for the clutch.


Note: If brake and clutch fluid maintenance is new to you, let me add a little context.

1) These systems will continue to function with fluid that needs to be changed. Some people think "If it ain't broke . . . , " but that's not what we're doing here. We're doing maintenance. You don't wait until your teeth are falling out to start brushing your teeth.

2) In my experience, professional car mechanics love to find excuses not to bleed brake and clutch systems. It takes time, it often takes two people and they are not that good at it. Having them tell you "You don't need it" let's them off the hook and sounds like they are doing you a favor. But are they?

3) The fluid is hygroscopic. It absorbs moisture. Over time, the moisture rots the system.

4) The fluid brakes down over time and with use. It goes from olive oil color to dark brown. It loses its ability deal with heat. Often you will see solids form in the fluid.

At the end of the day, it's your call. For a lot of car owners, their biggest concern is cost. My biggest concern is car maintenance.

 

agreed. I’m going to bleed the clutch. Brakes were just done.

 

I had my brakes bled and fluid replaced at the dealer on my '15 LX manual in December, would like to think they took the clutch into account as well, as there's only one reservoir in there ... who knows? The fluid looked fine at the time, but, bought it CPO in '16, dunno what the previous had or had not done to the car...he put more miles on it in a year than I have since I bought it...about 66000 now. I wonder if he had all of the "problems" fixed and unloaded it, as this car has been great in every way, no problems whatsoever <as I constantly monitor the dash for dreaded idiot lights like a Christmas tree, not wanting to do the fuel injectors deal, but I would> I love our lil Fit, perfect car for me....would be more fun with more power, but, it's fun enough, and can't complain about 38 mpg jetting around town and heavy on the throttle as wanted/needed/necessary

 

i agree with mr cofee..that said...i bled the brakes at 3 yrs ...clutch soon...my bad ..... but since they draw from one reservoir both should be bled....you would think "back in the day" the clutch separate fluid would last longer since not exposed to same extreme heat as the brakes