Clutch fluid breakdown

gman74 · May 18, 2013

I just wanted to pass my experiences with the clutch and fluids. When I was running hard in the mountains my clutch failed on me with only 2000 miles. And with only 1300 miles on the fluid.
I had the clutch oil changed and the clutch was back to normal. Looks like the fluid breaks down fairly quickly with the extreme engine heat. Either that, or the dealer left air in the system when I had the 700 mile service. Just keep this in mind in case your clutch starts to fail. I'll probably just change my fluids every 500 miles.

fireman1251 · May 18, 2013

Had the same happen to me, except it was after 7k km.

Fluid change and it cleared up....

michaeldorian · May 18, 2013

Same thing happened to me with 3k miles with hard track riding for 500 of them.

blazeone · May 19, 2013

C5 corvettes suffered from the same issue. Our preventative measure could also used on this bike.

Using a turkey baster or similar device suck the fluid out of the reservoir, leave just enough to cover the bottom of the reservoir so you don't get air in the system. Fill with fresh fluid put cap on and pump the clutch lever. This will push the fresh fluid down the line. Repeat the process "suck, fill, pump" LOL! until the fluid is clear and clean.

This method is great as one does no have to bleed the system.

JeffD · May 19, 2013

blazeone said:
C5 corvettes suffered from the same issue. Our preventative measure could also used on this bike.

Using a turkey baster or similar device suck the fluid out of the reservoir, leave just enough to cover the bottom of the reservoir so you don't get air in the system. Fill with fresh fluid put cap on and pump the clutch lever. This will push the fresh fluid down the line. Repeat the process "suck, fill, pump" LOL! until the fluid is clear and clean.

This method is great as one does no have to bleed the system.

Thanks for the tip.
Whatever the method, what is everyone using for clutch fluid replacement?

xpercad · May 19, 2013

Same issue here. I changed the fluid (EBC DOT 4) but I have to bleed the circuit every 2,000 km. or so ....

mig1199 · May 20, 2013

I change mine every 2,000kms...as it gets very dark and dirty by then. I simply suck out the old brake fluid in reservoir via syringe...pour in new brake fluid. (Go for the Motul RBF600 brake fluid)...has higher boiling point. Then, I simply bleed the brakeline by attaching a clear (aquarium fish) hose on the pushrod's nipple and bleed. Simple job.

I do it every 2Tkms

...maybe..Ducati should switch to a cable actuated clutch system instead of the hydraulic system, just like the Aprilia RSV4, BMW S1000RR's and Many other Jap sportbikes use cable actuated systems.

Miguel

Styler · May 20, 2013

This is ANOTHER very common and frustrating issue with the bike.
See:
http://ducati1199.com/mechanical-technical/4206-failure-hydraulic-clutch-2.html#post91731

Clutch fluid breakdown

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