17 replies to this topic

[Gil-galad]

I had success with a long section of clear tubing attached to the bleed screw, long enough that I could hold the end with one hand while working the clutch pedal. With the pedal fully depressed, I held my thumb over the end of the tubing so the slave would draw fluid from the master (rather than back flow from the tubing) when the pedal was released. 

[hhhh]

I've had this problem in the past and dialed my compressor way down, found a large stopper that covered the top of my master reservoir and applied a few pounds pressure into it. That got things moving. I recommend eye protection and don't use much pressure. Also, bad clutch hoses can cause really weird symptoms like lock-up of the clutch because the internals of the hose collapse and act like a one-way valve.

[aml1989]

Clutch hose replaced - and working again!
Still very reluctant to bleed with the conventional technique, only able to get success with the fluid sucker on the compressor (possibly just shifting any dirt to have settled in the master) and wiggling the piston inside the slave cylinder.

Thanks everyone for your replies, much appreciated to know about more techniques (bike brakes need bled too) and you've saved me removing the master cylinder!