I have a new set of JCW calipers that I'm installing in the next couple of days. I'm clear on the brake bleed as this is pretty straightforward. But at the same time do I need to do the clutch also? Seems like a mine field with most of the posts I read on bleeding the clutch. I have the Schwaben pressure bleeder so it's super easy with the brakes.

I'd really like to do the clutch as it doesn't engage till the top of the pedal stroke and I only have 38K on the car.

Please help!!

 

you dont have to do the clutch. even though they share the same reservoir, they both are independent. my clutch engages about 1/3 or 1/2 the way going up.

 

You should check out ModMini on YouTube. He has an excellent video on bleeding the clutch slave cylinder.

 

But the fluid in the clutch slave cylinder is likely original from when the car was new. I'd think it also needs to be bled following the recommended two year period?

 

My comment was regarding the wheather bleeding the brakes will effect the clutch. The answer to that was the two systems are independent of each other minus the reservoir. Of course you can service the clutch slave cylinder. That's fine if you would like to do it.

 

Noted and understood.

Can anyone answer whether the clutch slave cylinder follows the same recommended maintenance schedule as the brake system in terms of bleeding every two years?

 

Yes. I'm new to mini's but not maintenance.
Many vehicles share a clutch/brake reservoir. The fluid does mix between the two and dot 3/4 hydro fluid is hygroscopic -- you want to change it every couple of years because the water it collects will start to corrode the metal parts of your system. Also water boils at a much lower temp than dot 3 or 4 so lowers your braking performance...

Inside the brake/clutch fluid res. there will be an internal baffle so a leak in the clutch system won't compromise your brake system as well but the fluid still mixes above this baffle.