Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD1997EXPLORER 4D UTILITY, 4.0 X, RWD, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)TRANSMISSIONCLUTCH SYSTEMBLEEDING HYDRAULIC SYSTEMHYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDINGEXTERNALLY MOUNTED SLAVE CYLINDER
1997 Ford Explorer 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, Automatic
Externally Mounted Slave Cylinder
1997 Ford Explorer 4D Utility, 4.0 X, RWD, AutomaticSECTION Externally Mounted Slave Cylinder
- If bleeding new (dry) replacement master cylinder, bench bleed master cylinder first. See BENCH BLEEDING (MASTER CYLINDER) . Remove slave cylinder from transmission bellhousing. Using a 3/32" diameter punch, remove pin that holds hydraulic line in slave cylinder. Remove hydraulic line from slave cylinder. Place end of hydraulic line into container.
- Hold slave cylinder so hydraulic line port is at highest point. Fill slave cylinder through hydraulic line port with DOT 3 brake fluid. Gently push on slave cylinder push rod to expel all air.
- When all air has been expelled, install slave cylinder. Remove clutch master cylinder reservoir cap and diaphragm. While maintaining fluid level in reservoir, observe hydraulic line until all air has been expelled, a steady stream of fluid is flowing, and fluid is level with step in clutch master cylinder reservoir.
- Install reservoir cap and diaphragm. Install hydraulic line and retaining pin. Remove slave cylinder. Ensure reservoir is full. Hold slave cylinder so hydraulic line port is at highest point. Slowly push pushrod into cylinder and let it return. Repeat 2 more times. Install slave cylinder.
- Rapidly depress clutch pedal 10 times. Top off with brake fluid. With transmission in Neutral and parking brake set, start vehicle. Shift vehicle into Reverse. If gears grind, check for air in system. Repeat bleeding procedure if necessary. If no air is found and gears grind, clutch components may be defective or worn out.
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.