I've always bled the clutch system using a motive power bleeder. But someone just pointed me out to this technique (start at around 3:30 for the procedure):
Youtube video
The idea is to push fluid from below (at the slave cylinder) rather than from above (from the reservoir). The main advantage is you're not fighting air bubbles trying to go up.
It sounds pretty cool -- has anyone ever done this?
yeah - i've tried a number of vacuum bleeders - the problem is that you cannot maintain a good vacuum seal at the bleeder, especially after the first use of the tool - air always gets back in, and when the hose is anything other than brand new, it is hard at the end and won't form a seal at all
pushing it from the top has definitely been easier and more effective
Sounds like a reverse pressure bleed, not vacuum. I hear some cars are more stubborn than others where it might pay off. I luckily haven't had an issue with my 968. The motive works great.
I bought one of those vacuum pump bleeders and did not like it. The nipples that mount to the bleeders are loose allow air to pass making it tough to tell if the air is coming from the fitting or the line.
i've seen and done the bottom fill idea before - same problem with the hose though - i hate brake fluid, and that method always makes a mess for me - it does work, though you still have to bleed the slave afterward
i sure like the motive method a lot better