Clutch fluid replacement - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

vilant · 07-29-2013

The original GM P/N 12345347 fluid is apparently hard to find. I found it listed on Amazon a few months ago, but the shipping date kept getting pushed back until they out right canceled it. I've seen you can use DOT 3 brake fluid, but it's missing additives, which can cause squealing. I need to change my fluid, what is the best replacement fluid? Or does anyone know where I can buy the original #12345347 (I already checked Jerry's, White's, Ebay, and Amazon)?

XfireZ51 · 07-29-2013

I just changed mine w Dot4 Prestone hydraulic fluid.

mike100 · 07-29-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by vilant

... I've seen you can use DOT 3 brake fluid, but it's missing additives, which can cause squealing. ...

First time I ever heard of that- what exactly would squeal?. Parts store DOT 3 works fine, especially since the clutch circuit doesn't run too hot anyhow.

vilant · 07-29-2013

Well it only happens every once in a while. At first I thought it was the power steering, but then I noticed when I held the clutch pedal down longer than usual it would make a light squealing sound. The original fluid is probably still in there. When I googled the part #, a link to CF came up. The thread talked about the clutch fluid and how some still experienced squealing when replaced with the DOT 3. Apparently the additives in the original are what help stop the squealing(at least that's what I got out of it).
Just got a tip to try the dealerships and if it's not there, there's a place not too far from me that should. If I can't track down the original, I'll go with the DOT 4.

mike100 · 07-30-2013

DOT3 can take higher percentage of water contamination, DOT4 has a higher boiling point, but should be changed more often. I know my C6 specs DOT4 for the clutch slave, but i use DOT3 in my C4 because I had a lot of it around the house. It works great- mainly having new, clean fluid is a plus. A pint of DOT4 is cheap- consider it a flush fluid in case you ever find the GM stuff.

XfireZ51 · 07-30-2013

I have DOT4 around so use it. Check the clutch fluid every several thousand miles and using Ranger's method of keeping the fluid clean, it makes it easier to keep the fluid fresh.

TheBlackPearl · 10-23-2013

Where is Ranger's method, i can't seem to find it. Also how much fluid do you usually use up when changing? I'm gonna bleed the brakes and clutch and plan on using Motul 600 but I need to know how much to buy.

XfireZ51 · 10-23-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlackPearl

Where is Ranger's method, i can't seem to find it. Also how much fluid do you usually use up when changing? I'm gonna bleed the brakes and clutch and plan on using Motul 600 but I need to know how much to buy.

I've been using this methodology for the last several years. Getting the fluid clean the first time is the longest maintenance. If you check the fluid on a regular basis and change before/after race conditions, it gets easier. Beats getting under the car, drain and fill. This way you get dust out of system by mixing the fluid and continuing to flush out the particles.

http://youtu.be/gBbsy0LjUvE

Kevin · 10-23-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike100

First time I ever heard of that- what exactly would squeal?. Parts store DOT 3 works fine, especially since the clutch circuit doesn't run too hot anyhow.

i used dot3 once and when I slipped the clutch to get up the driveway and over the lip into the garage the clutch would squeal. sucked it out and replaced with clutch fluid

TheBlackPearl · 10-23-2013

Wow, that's great and easy. I don't suppose Ranger's method could also be used for the brake fluid?

07-29-2013	#2
XfireZ51 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 9,708	Re: Clutch fluid replacement I just changed mine w Dot4 Prestone hydraulic fluid. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Former Membership Chairman Former ZR-1 Registry - BOD 1972 Corvette 4speed base Coupe SOLD long time ago 1984 Corvette Z-51/4+3 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Aqua/Gray #474 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Black Rose/Cognac #458 2014 Honda VFR Interceptor DX

07-29-2013	#4
vilant Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: PA Posts: 772	Re: Clutch fluid replacement Well it only happens every once in a while. At first I thought it was the power steering, but then I noticed when I held the clutch pedal down longer than usual it would make a light squealing sound. The original fluid is probably still in there. When I googled the part #, a link to CF came up. The thread talked about the clutch fluid and how some still experienced squealing when replaced with the DOT 3. Apparently the additives in the original are what help stop the squealing(at least that's what I got out of it). Just got a tip to try the dealerships and if it's not there, there's a place not too far from me that should. If I can't track down the original, I'll go with the DOT 4. __________________ Joe 1990 Bright Red ZR-1 #2599

07-30-2013	#5
mike100 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Marcos CA Posts: 1,802	Re: Clutch fluid replacement DOT3 can take higher percentage of water contamination, DOT4 has a higher boiling point, but should be changed more often. I know my C6 specs DOT4 for the clutch slave, but i use DOT3 in my C4 because I had a lot of it around the house. It works great- mainly having new, clean fluid is a plus. A pint of DOT4 is cheap- consider it a flush fluid in case you ever find the GM stuff.

07-30-2013	#6
XfireZ51 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 9,708	Re: Clutch fluid replacement I have DOT4 around so use it. Check the clutch fluid every several thousand miles and using Ranger's method of keeping the fluid clean, it makes it easier to keep the fluid fresh. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Former Membership Chairman Former ZR-1 Registry - BOD 1972 Corvette 4speed base Coupe SOLD long time ago 1984 Corvette Z-51/4+3 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Aqua/Gray #474 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Black Rose/Cognac #458 2014 Honda VFR Interceptor DX

10-23-2013	#7
TheBlackPearl Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NJ Posts: 50	Re: Clutch fluid replacement Where is Ranger's method, i can't seem to find it. Also how much fluid do you usually use up when changing? I'm gonna bleed the brakes and clutch and plan on using Motul 600 but I need to know how much to buy. __________________ 2003 Z06 Electron Blue/Black 1990 ZR-1 Black/Black #1446 (Sold)

07-29-2013	#1
vilant Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: PA Posts: 772	Clutch fluid replacement The original GM P/N 12345347 fluid is apparently hard to find. I found it listed on Amazon a few months ago, but the shipping date kept getting pushed back until they out right canceled it. I've seen you can use DOT 3 brake fluid, but it's missing additives, which can cause squealing. I need to change my fluid, what is the best replacement fluid? Or does anyone know where I can buy the original #12345347 (I already checked Jerry's, White's, Ebay, and Amazon)? __________________ Joe 1990 Bright Red ZR-1 #2599

10-23-2013	#10
TheBlackPearl Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NJ Posts: 50	Re: Clutch fluid replacement Wow, that's great and easy. I don't suppose Ranger's method could also be used for the brake fluid? __________________ 2003 Z06 Electron Blue/Black 1990 ZR-1 Black/Black #1446 (Sold)