Ford Ranger Clutch Bleeding - Simple Fix!

[@deathwrenchcustom]

THIS is the video I've been searching for!! Going crazy bleeding and still getting mush with all new components. THANK YOU!!!

[@sf4769]

sometimes air gets trapped in the concentric slave cylinder and the bleeder is higher than the quick connect port. my line has been bench bled multiple times and im fighting to get the air out of the bottom of the system

[@deathwrenchcustom]

@@sf4769 Yeah, the whole clutch setup on these trucks is stupid. I sold it and bought a sweet 1st gen Tacoma. 😁👍🏾

[@sf4769]

@@deathwrenchcustom I had to park the truck uphill and elevate the drivers side to get the bleeder valve at top center, got my girlfriend to push it down slowly after I opened the valve and then closed it as she was pushing down (these systems dont bleed the same way brakes do). seems to have worked so far. keeping my fingers crossed. the damn dealer didnt bleed it properly when they installed the new slave so the is pretty much what you end up with lol. theyre reliable trucks just yeah, like you said. stupid clutch design.all of them do it now though dodge, chevy, ford etc. this way you have to take it to the dealer or pull the whole transmission yourself to prefill the slave cylinder on a bench and bench bleed the line seperate. I love the truck and its been great to me but this one thing has been the biggest fuck around ever.

[@BenitezGarage]

Out of all the the videos on this topic, this is the Gem. The most detailed, informative and clear video. Just finished doing this job on a 1994 ranger. I was bleeding it out by the slave cylinder and the car would not get into gear. Did this method and now it works like a charm. Also taking the drivers side wheel and fender lining off made the job 100X easier

[@RaztechPowersports]

Benitez Garage Thank you. I tried to make this as simple as possible and I knew it would help anybody with a mechanical mindset.

[@austinnowicki]

Just did the clutch in mine, was going nuts bleeding it and nothing happening. Did this and just like you said instantly fixed my pedal! Thanks!

[@RaztechPowersports]

Glad it helped! 🙏🏻

[@mumbles552]

Thanks for posting this and confirming what I've been thinking. The new clutch master cylinder in my '96 F-150 has air trapped in it but I'm going to try holding it vertical while I pump it so the fluid will run into the cylinder as the air comes out. It has the reservoir built into it so I think it should work. If not, I'll pull the piston out like you did here. These master cylinder designs are definitely not one of Fords better ideas!

[@RaztechPowersports]

Yeah looking back I would try to vacuum bleed it while holding the master cylinder upright to make sure there isn’t an air pocket

[@jeffersonjamos5122]

@@RaztechPowersports

[@gatergates8813]

Thanks so much for this video! My 01 Ranger has had a soft clutch pedal for months, then today it would barely shift gears- had to shut the engine off at every red light just to get it into 1st. A couple hours of monkeying around and now the clutch works better than it ever has

[@RaztechPowersports]

Glad it helped 👍🏻👍🏻

[@CWB615]

Same with my 97 replaced clutch & slave few yrs ago then new line & clutch master seemed better than ever been but slowly started having trouble again also clutch slowly feeling not as good again after few wks of driving so keep driving to it once agin got almost impossible so had mechanic bleed it while i pumped a few times once agin felt & drove like it was fixed now 2wks later no pedal trying to pump 100d just to make it drive.Never lost fluid before replacing master & lin or no fluid loss now so cant figure out why keeps getting air back in it or how????@@RaztechPowersports

[@totaldla]

Just did this on my 2008 ranger and it worked great. Hardest part was the snap ring because of my Harbor Freight snap ring pliers. Let it drain enough to run clear as there was a lot of black fluid in there.

[@andrewsb91]

Just picked one up for less than a grand because the owner replaced his bad master with another bad master. I just couldn't get the sucker to bleed. Tried vacuum, pressure, manual, everything. Thank you so much.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Bryce Andrews very welcome! Yeah it’s such a bad design from ford. Not mechanic friendly lol.

[@kkayenikki6687]

Thank you dude. I am a 78s mech. DIY these days and, I was about to buy a new cyclinder after replacing the slave and could not get a good bleed until, I saw you.

[@aim4ambassadors631]

I think my truck has a small leak

[@aim4ambassadors631]

The peddle goes all the way down iit was fine for a few days .it starts but wont shift in gear

[@DeathStrikeVirus]

This was fantastic! Worked on my 2000 3.0 V6. Thank you!

[@RaztechPowersports]

Glad it helped!

[@bradsmith7887]

Thanks brother. Got it bled in no time. Also did it in the driveway

[@Ryan_Atomic]

keep it up bud! watched a ton of these vids on how to fix/ bleed ur vid is the best! cheers!

[@RaztechPowersports]

Thanks for watching! 🔧

[@reaperasylum2163]

Or tilt the plunger downwards and pull push with the reservoir cap off and that to will bleed the air out with no fluid loss works every time

[@nikolaishriver7922]

Reaper999 I will definitely give this a try before wrestling with that snap ring

[@pbrendan1027]

DO THIS BEFORE ANYTHING!

[@masonmartindale6956]

Too many spots from the slave cylinder to the master cylinder to do that

[@johnzhang5005]

this comment is so underrated😮😮😮😮save my ass (2007 ranger 4.0 4wd)

[@JoeRoberts-r1y]

Great video. Worked on my 2.3 ranger!!

[@joeljohnson79]

Thank God put a stage 3 in yesterday in my 01 and would not bleed enough to go in gear thanks

[@RaztechPowersports]

Glad it helped!

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Worked like a charm. Nice video thank you!

[@RaztechPowersports]

How to Automotive glad to hear! Thanks for watching 🤙🏻

[@jasonhallum8417]

My name is Jason Hallum this is the only way to bleed your clutch. Thanks alot worked very great. I've been fighting for 2 days. I watched your video a hour later I'm back on the road

[@RaztechPowersports]

Glad to hear and thanks for watching!

[@nikolaishriver7922]

Awesome trick. Just used an entire bottle trying to get this done lol. Also, I drilled a small 1/16th or (1/8th, it’s SMALL) hole through the clutch pedal pin that holds the clutch push rod, so I put a cotter pin and a washer through it. The little black plastic snap piece will come off your clutch pedal otherwise if your pedal swivels on the pedal frame wear out in the slightest and your pedals have any sideways movement. Even a brand new plastic clip will pop right back off. If your clutch pushrod comes off your pedal due to loose movement, using another new plastic clip won’t work for more than a few pushes before it pops back off. It’s just a good quick mod if you ever change the entire pedal assembly. Which I did because the pedal swivels had worn through the aluminum in one spot. I bought and drilled the new pedal assembly regardless. I wish I could post a picture to elaborate. Thank you so much for this video, this should be the last piece of my puzzle. I also lathe turned a stainless swivel bearing for the old pedal assembly and it works like new and will probably outlast a new assembly. But that one is just unused now. I’ll probably sell it

[@RaztechPowersports]

Nikolai Shriver not a problem and thanks for watching! Yeah man it sounds like you got it all figured out now 🙌🏻

[@57Fastjeff]

Tried this and other methods without success, then tried pressure bleeding---and it worked! Here's how to do it: Go to the junkyard and get another clutch reservoir. Cut the bottom off the rubber dingus to make an O-ring out of it, then add an air pressure fitting thru the cap. Next, shove the clutch pedal ALL the way down and keep it there with a length of wood jammed under the steering wheel. Fill the reservoir full and add about 20 psi of air pressure, then bleed the system until the level in the reservoir drops to the bottom. (Do not let it go empty!) Do this twice and the air bubbles will be gone. Good luck! Jeff

[@starshineyacht7293]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@scrufscruff5883]

So... if bearing is installed backwards (seal facing front of motor instead of facing transmission)..... will it cause any other problems besides extreme difficulty bolting Transmission back up to the motor? Picked up a cheap Ford Ranger. Did a new clutch system on it. Put everything in exactly the way the old stuff came out. Turns out, release bearing was in backwards... so I installed new one in backwards (not knowing) as well. Took FOREVER getting Trans to bolt back up to the motor!!! But once back together, everything seems fine. Should it be ok? It's not like the shaft moves in and out, or one end of bearing is wider or anything.

[@Abysstvs]

My service plug for the transmission is missing. I can see the clutch from outside. Will that cause me problems?

[@275DWL]

I'm about to attempt this,but I also heard about tapping the line from the slave to the master with a screwdriver handle,to work any air up that may possibly be in that line. Did you do this or just pull the plunger? I'm 70 years old and don't want to mess this up. Thanks,Dale

[@RaztechPowersports]

Dale Leonard Sr. Try to get the air out of the system without removing the plunger. If the master is take out of the firewall and rotated correctly, it might work

[@275DWL]

@@RaztechPowersports Okay I will try it. My clutch releases almost at full top and in reverse locks up and stalls the engine. I will try anything to keep me from having to take it to a shop. Can't afford it. I will reply once I am done. Thanks for the great video and sharing your mechanical know how.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Dale Leonard Sr. Thanks for watching and goodluck with the project!

[@georgewashington1106]

Does this have the single line slave cylinder, or the slave with the bleeder screw? I have an 02 explorer with a manual, and the slave just has 1 line in. There's a bleeder on the firewall, but I don't see how that clears air out of the slave, which is downstream from the bleeder. Every video I see is for bleeding the slave with the bleeder screw. I'll try this and see if it helps, but I still have to bleed my slave somehow

[@bobbyb7127]

when you pull the plunger out, is it completely out of the master cylinder or just out enough to let air escape? Nice video explaining whats going on.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Correct, so the whole cylinder can be filled to the top. Just enough so the fluid starts to overflow.

[@michelebreese5940]

Would your way work on my 2004 4.0 5 speed 4x4 ranger. Oh thank you very much for showing us. 😊

[@beerggls]

oh good. I was fixin to get some buddies over to help me roll the truck over in the yard, put the reservoir and it’s hose on the open slave bleed screw, put an inline fuel shutoff valve on the master cyl where the res hose just came off, and try bleeding it that way upside down. Stupid air pocket!😆

[@RaztechPowersports]

😂

[@javman4socalr809]

Q. I'm not a mechanic, just an owner of a 1999 Mazda B2500, 2.5L, with a problem clutch, i.e., hard to shift into gears, especially 1st and reverse. Could I just find a steep loading ramp at a warehouse or a steep hill, park my truck, set parking brake and repeatedly push in the clutch pedal all the way dowm for 5-10 cycles? Would this alternative help clear out any air in the master cylinder? I think it would if I can jack up or park in a steep enough incline to re-orient the master cylinder's angle.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Yes, that is a possibility. The air pocket is truly the problem

[@waynethomas3561]

Only one that did this professional,thanks

[@RaztechPowersports]

Wayne Thomas thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@eduardomontoya4106]

Good information awesome thanks

[@RaztechPowersports]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@jimmack3620]

i change the master clutch cylinder in a 02 2.3L ford ranger with 5 speed , does the new clutch needs bleeding

[@RaztechPowersports]

It’s best to bench bleed a master cylinder (especially this one) before you install it. Yes, it’ll need to be bleed now

[@donaldbrown5279]

Hey man, thanks for the great video. If the ' fix' that I am trying to do is really that easy, then I'll be plumb tickled. Thanks man, have a great day. :-)

[@RaztechPowersports]

Donald Brown thanks for watching and hopefully this fixes your problem!

[@randymiller9179]

Might i ask what a stage 3 is? And my next Question is why take the Master cylinder apart? Wouldn't just taking it out of the fire wall and pointing it downward let gravity release the air up to the reservoir? Is there a check valve between the two???

[@RaztechPowersports]

I tried to bleed it with the Master cylinder upside down and still got a air pocket, although I was working solo. It’ll probably work. Typically the “stage” of the clutch makes it a more aggressive bit and can hold more hp. Don’t buy one for a stock truck. Driveabilty typically isn’t as good.

[@JP-ir2eq]

I got good results parking on a 12% grade, chocking the rear wheels and jacking up the front end. 12% is steep and not all the world has access to a hill of any kind but, maybe putting the front wheels on a car lift and.......

[@typewriterman9065]

JP, so, you're talking about not even removing the master?

[@JP-ir2eq]

Sorry I didn’t explain more. No, I did not remove it. The turkey baster trick didn’t work for me. But combining the two did. Only got another year and 3000 or so miles before it started acting up again. I paid $1000 to have the system replaced from reservoir to pressure plate. Good luck.

[@bigchungus4089]

I'm having trouble getting the master cylinder unhooked from the clutch pedal any tips?

[@coreylane3485]

I just bled mine without taking the slave cylinder out at all. Takes a littal strength and an extra hand down below.

[@josiahhook5296]

So I push the clutch pedal rod all the way in and hold it while installing the snap ring or push it in and release it then instal snap ring?

[@tintdr]

Or you can get a Mighty vac and pull the air out the top of the resvior under the hood and let suction from an over filled resvior fill it up from the top with no air. Then gravity bleed from the trans. Then get a friend and bleed as normal 4 times with the old 3 pumps and tighten and done

[@RaztechPowersports]

Agreed 🔧👍🏻

[@tmurrayis]

Hmmm, I could not get any fluid to draw out of the hole using this procedure on my 2011 4.0 litre 5 sod truck. Since it is a closed system I don’t see how you could draw any fluid out of the master cylinder this way. Perhaps this is a different system than on the newer trucks. Note: on my truck the reservoir is on the engine side of the fuse box and black so it is difficult to see the hole at the bottom.

[@joedirt3643]

If the reservoir is open it is not a closed system

[@preflight_panda1609]

What happens when I’ve warranties out this master cylinder 3 times now and it keeps blowing the seals where the push rod is?

[@geoffr4018]

Great video. Thanx

[@nicholasharris4544]

God gives you many thumbs up

[@RaztechPowersports]

🙏🏻

[@fordmanfinis]

It finally $&@*#& worked. Thank you.

[@RaztechPowersports]

fordmanfinis hell yeah!

[@FURFEELINGS_3]

How the hell did you get the snap ring on the push rod off the pedal?!

[@TheLostboy85]

Thank you so much dude

[@kerdishacoutain2772]

Do you have a video showing how to change the clutch rubber I got a 2005 Ford Ranger

[@RaztechPowersports]

The clutch disc? No unfortunately I do not

[@kerdishacoutain2772]

@@RaztechPowersports okay thank you for responding I appreciate It

[@onemanshow2386]

Probably the best explaination to our problem. Your video rocks and thanks

[@RaztechPowersports]

One Man Show glad it helped!

[@TheSingingTeaSpoon]

How do I disconnect the output line from the master cylinder? I’m having a hard time with the pin holding the output line to the slave

[@RaztechPowersports]

Sharpthrone766 I’m not sure to be honest. I haven’t worked on one of these in a while.

[@Francoxyzm]

Hey I cannot find any descriptive way to remove the clutch pedal from push rod. Any tips thanks.

[@ManyTurtles]

Take a small flat head and pry it back while trying to seperate the rod from the pedal. Its hard to see but the pedal has a little nub on it and the rod attatches like a ball in socket.

[@beastbomber2511]

My 97 ranger the clutch pedal won’t go to floor and I have press super hard to get it to start but won’t move I can shift gears and it won’t stall when it’s in gear

[@nicocreed3849]

Will this work for a 97 4.0L 5 speed? I Don't have a pedal that goes to the floor but have a hard time going between gears at times.. and have had clunk/stall going into gear several times. Seems to not happen if I pump clutch pedal before starting vehicle. Have noticed some slight dragging at stop lights. Thanks in advance!

[@RaztechPowersports]

Yes your clutch needs to be bleed. Invert the master cylinder and try to bleed it traditionally from the slave cylinder

[@nicocreed3849]

@@RaztechPowersports Will try this tonight, update tomorrow! Thanks, hope it works as well for me as all these other comments.

[@RaztechPowersports]

@@nicocreed3849 goodluck! 🛠🏁

[@adventurious1234]

Nice....thanks

[@andysmith7731]

Thanks man

[@RaztechPowersports]

andy smith no problem 👍🏻

[@hexmartinez1705]

Would this be the same on a 2004 Ford Ranger XL 2.3. I read somewhere 2004 and above are much harder ?

[@connergarlock771]

Do I need to replace the snap ring?

[@justinmoore8097]

Would this cause the clutch to slip or no just hard shifting?

[@RaztechPowersports]

Yes but at that point you’ll need a slave and clutch replaced

[@slaughterzealibib]

This method may work but there is a easier way. You will need a mighty-vac vacuum brake bleeder kit or similar. The kit will come with a cone shaped tip. Use that tip to push into the hole at the bottom of the master cylinder reservoir and pump away till no air bubbles come up. While under vacuum pull the mighty-vacs line out of the reservoir. This should cause the line and master cylinder to suck down the fluid and completely fill. Fill and cap the reservoir.

[@longhair-dontcare9983]

Thanks for the advice Slaughterzealibib, did you disconnect the lower line to the transmission first? I'll try this.

[@bryankingrey8317]

how did you remove the master cylinder from the cab of the vehicle without removing the snap ring

[@ALe-qu2bo]

Please could you show where is the sensor (ECT) REFRIGERANT is that I have an Argentine ranger and it is very similar to this one that shows in the video is from 2010 thanks!

[@RaztechPowersports]

ALe sorry no longer own the truck

[@MyTaylorb]

How stiff should the pedal be? I just got my 03 B3000 out of the shop. Had new clutch, slave and master cylinder replaced and the pedal is so hard to push and the clutch fully engages within 1/2". Damn near gave me whiplash. And there is a lot of play in the pedal. I have to push it nearly to the floor to disengage.

[@RaztechPowersports]

On these smaller engines, the clutch pedal will always be pretty easy to push. Even when the clutch is bleed correctly, the throw still feels effortless. If your pedal is very hard to push, you definitely have a problem. Usually air in the line will give you a "soft pedal". I believe you have air in the master. If your clutch is barely disengaging when its pushed to floor.. its either air in the system or the slave cylinder was not adjusted correctly. Bring it back to that shop asap.

[@Corvilux]

Thank you!

[@jeffschmude3620]

He'll yeah your the best

[@RaztechPowersports]

Jeff Schmude haha glad it helped!

[@sergiocarrillo9190]

Hello. My clutch pedal sunk to the floor now I can't put it in gear. Any advise I'm a do it your selfer. Thanks for the video. Tho cus I think I'll use all the info you provided.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Sergio Carrillo is the Pedal stuck on the floor? Is the linkage still connected?

[@sergiocarrillo9190]

@@RaztechPowersports , yes it's connected ..

[@RaztechPowersports]

Sergio Carrillo It’s possible that the spring broke inside of the master cylinder

[@sergiocarrillo9190]

@@RaztechPowersports thank you very much.

[@williamscharer9336]

I did mine but now it just pours out fluid where the snap ring is, I did everything right twice now with 2 separate master cylinders and same result. Just pissing fluid into the floor after it all goes back together. Like it seems like when I put the plunger back in its just pulling more fluid up and out

[@RaztechPowersports]

Sounds like your master cylinder is going bad ☹️

[@samantharaziano4232]

Awesome! 🤙🏼

[@JakeTerch]

Does the reservoir cap need to be opened when pulling the piston out?

[@RaztechPowersports]

Jake Terch yes, cap needs to be off and full to the top with fluid

[@JakeTerch]

Brad Raziano thanks!

[@richm8480]

Air got in mine somehow (2000 ranger 4x4 3.0 92,000 miles) Mine was a pain to get out. Fifty bucks for a new master cylinder and 150 for a whole new prefilled unit and hose. Since I don't know how the air got in there to begin with, and my slave cylinder is dry I'm just going to replace the bastard and not chance that it's on the way out.

[@RaztechPowersports]

It’s worth trying to bleed it first and see if it comes back to life

[@gerardodiaz6864]

Gracias👍

[@jeevannepali1570]

I put steering oil instead of clutch fluid in the clutch pot. But it worked for a week. And now it's not pumping. What should I do it. Cause I can't use the clutch. I just want to throw all steering oil and put clutch oil.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Jeevan Nepali There is a bleeder on the slave cylinder in that access port. You need to loosen it and drain all of the power steering fluid out of the system. Then I would refill it with brake fluid and gravity bleed the system. I think if you take the master cylinder out and rotate it upside down you will not get an air pocket in it.

[@jeevannepali1570]

Thank you ...

[@macklynch1987]

For my 2005 ford ranger I tried just bleeding the master cylinder but still ended up having a really soft clutch. I ended up bleeding it from the nipple on the trans (I think it’s going to the slave cylinder) and just bleeding it as you would bleed brakes.

[@frankieg3409]

Can anyone help? My slave cylinder is dry, my clutch doesn’t feel soft, I’ve tried this method of bleeding, I’ve tried the vacuum pump method, Ive tried the bleeder valve method. Clutch pressure is fine but I still can’t shift into first gear

[@cubleycat]

Just put the back of the truck on the lift and take it up high, much easier than taking the master cylinder off!

[@shabelitomendez8937]

Si es la manera correcta de hacer funcionar un clush nuevo

[@nathandube1685]

Isnt it a 5 speed? you said 4 at the end.

[@helloiambear5531]

What year is this ranger?

[@RaztechPowersports]

2003 I believe

[@bobcat8439]

To much work bubbles get stuck in the line where the line bends tap the line alot towards the resivuor then drive it on the road the bumps will do the rest.i put 3clutches in my 96 little ford ranger that's what worked the best

[@rine413]

Is the 4.0 the same?

[@RaztechPowersports]

For the clutch bleeding issue? Yes

[@rine413]

@@RaztechPowersports thanks for the response. I think my problem might be the slave cylinder though.

[@RaztechPowersports]

@@rine413 No problem, pop the inspection cover off on the transmission and make sure it’s dry. If it’s wet, slave cylinder is done ☠️

[@rine413]

@@RaztechPowersports thanks again!

[@polymetric2614]

This whole hydraulic system seems like it should be used as a demo for what not to do when designing a hydraulic system.

[@flowers123fm8]

👍 GOODONE

[@brucefoster1215]

Its easier to just pull the whole unit out there is a quick disconnect on the slave cyl.Then bench bleed it.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Yes that would work as well 👍🏻

[@jasonbrown1315]

Same in a 2001.

[@RaztechPowersports]

I believe so

[@Nicholas_Triumph_Thruxton]

I really wish you would show how instead of talking about it.

[@tobinbaker4837]

Why not just raise the front of the truck to allow the air to bleed out?

[@RaztechPowersports]

It’s worth a try!

[@G_Rapids]

I followed the instructions, after install the clutch petal was so stiff, that when I went to start the truck, it wouldn’t activate the clutch safety switch. I pressed a little harder and snapped the master cylinder rod..oops

[@coreylane3485]

😂😂😂😂

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

Lord have mercy, way too much work.

[@danielphelan2687]

No fluid came out!! Maybe a blockage in the line?

[@RaztechPowersports]

Daniel Phelan it’s possible. Try to blow some air into the reservoir up top

[@danielphelan2687]

@@RaztechPowersports worked great, thank you!!!

[@thebluedan]

There is nothing simple about this design. It’s the worst. But great video.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Dan Waters haha yeah I have to agree.

[@Auditing.northern.N.Y.]

I don't recommend this, I tried it a few times. On the 3rd attempt the piston blew out of what was a brand new master cylinder. When I tried putting it back together rubber seals ripped. Now I'm waiting for another new master cylinder. Next time I'll bench burp.

[@thelostsoul5531]

You ripped the seals yourself. Lack of skill is what happened to you.

[@biggiedickson]

​@@thelostsoul5531They claimed responsibility for the error. Why be a redundant cunt?

[@chrisskinner636]

Well I tried this and it ended up making my clutch pressure worse...

[@RaztechPowersports]

Try to do a gravity or suction bleed with the master cylinder not mounted on the firewall. Just try to eliminate the area that can catch air in the master cylinder

[@jay8a901]

wheres ur service plug?

[@RaztechPowersports]

Jo 8a driver side, on the side of the transmission

[@tommybronco6578]

What if you don’t have an inspection cover. Stop making assumptions. Facts only

[@RaztechPowersports]

Guess you’ll have to watch another video. Good luck on the repair

[@iamjobe752]

show yourself doing it dont just point and talk

[@RaztechPowersports]

Iam Jobe sorry man, didn’t have enough time. Still gives you the general idea of the repair

[@camerondouglas3697]

Find a different video and not be a prick ag least he knows how lmao

[@goat4u2c]

Dude, get to the point

[@RaztechPowersports]

😂