Clutch fluid replacement

I’m guessing I should since it’s never been done.

Any drama or suggestions before I jump in?

 

Suck all the fluid out of the reservoir, put clean in, then bleed it until you get clear fluid at the bottom (but don't let the reservoir reach the bottom - otherwise you have to re-bleed it )

 

Use a turkey baster to remove reservoir fluid. Keep reservoir full of fresh DOT3/4. Attach 3/8" poly tube to slave cylinder bleeder valve and other end to raised container covering tube end with brake fluid to prevent air from going back in cylinder while pumping clutch with bleeder valve open.
OR
Just suck out reservoir and fill several times over a few weeks.
Keeping air out of clutch when bleeding can be tricky for DIYers.

 

just wait until you need to replace the clutch is probably best!
should be a sealed system unless you gots some leaks somewhere

 

Clutch fluid, same as brake fluid, is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time.
It’s a good idea to change it out periodically. It’s pretty easy on the 1st gen Taco, I did mine in about half an hour.

 

how does moisture get in if its a sealed system, unless you take the cap off and maybe forget to put it back on? i could see that happening

 

It isn't perfectly sealed and brake fluid is hygroscopic. Humidity creeps in over time.

 

The original clutch only lasted 250,000 miles. I did notice the fluid looks like maple syrup.

 

Hum never heard of "clutch" fade from moisture in the system. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

i shall have to educate the Toyota master mechanic about this situation then! that is whom i get most of knowledge outside of TW

 

only lasted? that is very good, i have 100k miles to go!

 

if there is moisture in the system there are probably underlying issues i would think need repair, but a pro i am not!

 

My Taco has 230,000 miles and still has the original clutch. The previous owner never changed the fluid and it was like black coffee.

I changed it. It’s cheap and easy. Why leave it like that?

 

It may not fade, but seals will degrade and the operating cylinders won't last as long.

 

True statement,, think about it,, if there's no moisture in the system over time how does a master cyl., and wheel cyl., and calipers get rust in the bores?

 

so you gotta replace all the seals and cylinders to stop the degradation as well?

i know these rubber parts under my truck are getting aged
but only have a certain budget for taco maintenance what is more important to tackle

 

I dunno, there's a lot of variables. I don't plan to replace mine before they fail.

 

I'm replacing my slave and flushing it again soon, my clutch acts kind of funny some times and I suspect its something with the hydraulics. It's super easy to flush it, took me maybe 15 minutes and cost like $10. I imagine it helps prolong the life of the system by removing any moisture.

 

Is your truck a v6? Does it still have the original clutch pedal return spring?

 

can you do all that from just underneath? i was able to get one side of truck up on a nice wooden ramp that gave better clearance (rocking stock height here) for the shoulders not getting stuck on something or other squirming underneath there for a few days before the heat and humidity came back strong, only got half done what i was intent on doing bummer