Zf5 Clutch hydraulics

Carson E

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Hello, I’m having trouble finding a clutch master and slave cylinder assembly that’s pre bled for my 1990 f250 with a zf5. None of the local shops around me are able to get one and I can’t find them online. Do I need to buy the individual parts and bench bleed them? What’s the best brands to get? I’ve had some trouble with getting bad slaves and master cylinders in some other vehicles before and I’d like to get something that would last and not cause any issues. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you all and good day.
 

rreegg

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They can be bench bled, did it last week. Spoke with rep at Oreilly and she said pre-bled are not sold anymore because they leak etc and cause a lot of problems.
I can't recommend a brand but the OEM units were plastic and the newer ones are cast aluminum. I generally prefer napa auto but oreilly is where i usually buy things because the stores are open later.


Re: bench bleeding I found this video helpful. It's pretty straight forward and didn't have any issues personally, took less than 10 min

I saw other vids about using a mityvac to bleed but this isn't compatible with the zf5 master cyls afaik

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onetonjohn

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Bench bleed master as best you can. Pre-install pin part way (very important) before bench bleeding or trying to install. Maybe do slave first and just crack the bleeder till fluid runs out. With the straps on, that should be good. That with your bench bleeding the master should be good enough so that just pumping the pedal slowly will bleed it the rest of the way.
 
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