Nissan Repair: BLEEDING CLUTCH, clutch plate, clutch master

Question
TWO QUESTIONS.
GOT IN THE CAR ONE MORNING AND THE CLUTCH PEDAL WENT TO THE BOTTOM AND ENGAGED IT WAS REALLY LOOSE IN THE MIDDLE I PULLED OVER AND CHACKED THE RESERVOIR IT WAS EMPTY I FILLED IT. CLUTCH FELT A LITTLE BETTER BUT STILL ENGAGING CLOSE TO THE FLOOR.
COULD THERE BE AIR IN THE LINE CAUSING IT TO ENGAGE CLOSE TO THE FLOOR? IF SO HOW DO I BLEED THE AIR OUT OF THE LINE?
PLEASE EXPLAIN BLEEDING PROCES IN DETAIL.
THANKS
JAMIL

Answer
Hi Jamil -

First of all we need to determine the cause of the empty reservoir. This is a closed system and normally does not lose fluid. Most likely it is leaking from either the master cylinder or the slave cylinder. You did not mention what kind of vehicle you have, but the clutch master usually is next to the brake master, and the slave cylinder is attached to the transmission and drives a fork (lever) that goes into the clutch plate. Check both of these and if one is wet, then replace it.

To bleed the system you will need a helper. Have someone pump the pedal and hold it down. Loosen the bleeder screw at the slave and let the fluid drain. Close the screw and have your helper pump it up again. Repeat this process 3 or 4 times, and replenishing the fluid in the reservoir as you go.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin