Bleeding the Clutch on a Boxster

[Pierre's Porsche]

I'm just getting ready to bleed the brakes and clutch on my 2000 Boxster. One of the first steps in the Bentley Manual for clutch bleeding is to depress the clutch pedal. But it doesn't state for how long or often.

I plan on using a pressurized Motive bleeder tool. My question is, do i need a second person to keep the clutch pedal depressed while opening the bleeder valve?

I plan on doing brakes and clutch at same time so the car will be on jack stands. Also, what's the best approach to access the clutch bleeder valve: Top of engine compartment or from underneath?

Thanks.

[Loren]

See the DIY brake/clutch bleeding for the 996 here. The process is the same for the Boxster

[JFP in PA]

The clutch pedal should be depressed to the floor and held there while the system is being bled. Afterwards, you will need to manually pull up the pedal, after which it will operate normally.

You can use an adjustable hood prop, or even a hunk of 2X4 to hold down the pedal.

[JFP in PA]

You are too quick for me Loren................ :thumbup:

[Pierre's Porsche]

Loren, JFP;

I completed the brakes yesterday, but must say I "punted" on the clutch. I found the bleeder valve per the DYI Loren led me to. However, the area is really tight and my 11 mm wrench would not fit in the area (6" wrench). I also didn't have a long enough clear tube. I had the car lifted about 1.5 foot and access to the location was rough...

Again I ask my question, what's the best way to access this location?. Do I need to raise the car to eye level, come down from the top..?

Thanks.

[JFP in PA]

By far, the best tool for this is a shorty double box wrench. I have one from Sears that is about 3 1/2 inches long and it gets right in there with room to spare. Put the wrench on first, then the drain tube, so the wrench stays in until you are done. There is more than enough room to swing the short wrench in the limited space.

The best way to get at the bleeder is from below; many like to remove the rear wheel so they can see better, and because they are going to do the brakes as well. As for how high, that is a matter of preference; I've done them on the lift or on jack stands, either takes about the same time. With the correct wrench, and doing it from below, bleeding the clutch adds about 2 min. to the total time for a brakes and clutch system flush, just don't "over think" the problem.

If you do not hold pedal to the floor while bleeding the clutch, you will not totally flush out all of the old fluid in the system, so it is a good idea to do so.

Edited January 21, 2012 by JFP in PA