I'm a do it yourself mechanic and I want to install a clutch in my EVO9.

I've read about 30 different theads resulting ACD issues after performing the task.

My question is about the technique of backing off the xfer case along with the bolt that holds the ACD line. Can anyone verify that this eliminates the need to bleed the ACD?

I know there is a method of turning the ignition on and off to pump out the fluid and air but I'd prefer to avoid that by being more careful when removing the xfer case.... as long as that technique actually works.

If the above mentioned approach doesn't work what is the next best thing?

 

i've done it both ways. the first time i did it i was afraid that bleeding the ACD would cause issues (that was a while ago). it took a very long time to get that one bolt broke loose, and just as long to slowly back it out, and again for tightening it back up once clutch was replaced.

after that one time i've taken the line off everytime since then. it is WAY faster, and bleeding the ACD is a piece of cake. take it from someone who does the clutch jobs on my back in my garage using jackstands

bleeding the acd should take you no more then 5 minutes with someone assisting you.

 

I had no problem getting to that bolt and backing out the ACD. I did drop the subframe though. The line never came off so there was no need to bleed the ACD. I just tied the ACD out of the way while we pulled the trans. Hell, I never even pulled the passenger side axle. lol.

 

Thanks.

 

I couldn't get the bolt loose with the ACD attached. I gave up and removed the line. But first I bought a pair of those craftsman hose clamp off pliers and clamped them down on the ACD rubber line right where it meets the banjo bolt fitting. Lost just a few drops of fluid and hooked it back up.

Tried bleeding but never saw any bubbles so I stopped, been fine so far.

 

I'd have to say when I did my clutch I just clamped the line off and removed the bolt then bled the ACD system. Very easy to do, do not be intimated, if you can bleed brakes you can definitely bleed the ACD system, just be sure to get all the air out.

 

I've helped do a clutch on a ACD car, and we left the TC in the car, with the line attached. I used a snubby wrench to loosen the bolt that the banjo bolt covers, and ended up having the leave it on the bolt the whole time until I tightened it back up. We were using a lift, and didn't drop the subframe.

 

^ This is excellent information. I haven't needed to tackle the task but am sure I will in the next year or two.

 

one more thing... once you have finished bleeding the acd, give the car a minute or two in the off position before you fill the resevoir... some fluid returns to the resevoir that wasnt there before... can cause over-flow... just did mine saturday...

 

i really believe that it is easier to take the bolt / banjo valve out.. its just one less thing in your way... bleeding the acd is really easy and as stated above it doesnt take very long.... you will need someone else with you, to make the process a hell of a lot easier....

 

^ Why don' t you post your procedure for bleeding the ACD the correct way.

 

1. raise car into air
2. top off ACD fluid resevoir
3. remove ACD bleed cap and open bleeder
4. power on ignition (but DO NOT start engine)
5. push accelerator pedal to the floor

the pump will run for ~5 seconds... repeat this until all air is bled from system... MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO NOT EMPTY THE RESEVOIR OR YOU WILL HAVE TO START ALL OVER.

to stop pump from running (if it does not stop on its own (depends on ACD ecu type)) you will need to turn off the ignition.

after you think you are finished and see no more air, wait a minute or two to make sure you didnt overfill your resevoir...

 

I noticed that the first time I pushed the accelerator a good amount of fluid bled out... after that there was very little being pushed out. Is there a way to get the pump to run longer? It took me like 20 mins because of the short pump cycle.

 

I'm having the same issue and I know another local IX guy did to before he ended up just taking the car to Mitsu to be bled by them.