Clutch Issues...Anyone?

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flobrandx

flobrandx

Joined
Jun 22, 2012
Messages
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Location
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About a month back, on the last nice summer day here I went for a 200 mile ride with some buddies up in the mountains. On the way home my clutch felt like it was going out and it was making me nervous. I was happy I made it back with no issue. Just to make sure I even went for a quick chilly ride last week and it's still the same.

I've never had a hydraulic clutch before but the clutch is engaging and disengaging right before you run out of pull and release at the bar. Not like when it was new and you could feel it engage and disengage near the beginning of the pull and release. Almost like on a cable clutch when you have it adjusted out all the way...and then it's completely gone.

I only have 1850 miles on it so it seems a little premature for the clutch to go out. I have contacted the dealer and waiting to hear back from them. I thought I would check with anyone here to see if anyone else has had a similar clutch issue.
 
try bleeding your clutch, be sure to bleed at the slave cylinder as well as the master cylinder lever, that should solve the problem.



flobrandx said:
About a month back, on the last nice summer day here I went for a 200 mile ride with some buddies up in the mountains. On the way home my clutch felt like it was going out and it was making me nervous. I was happy I made it back with no issue. Just to make sure I even went for a quick chilly ride last week and it's still the same.

I've never had a hydraulic clutch before but the clutch is engaging and disengaging right before you run out of pull and release at the bar. Not like when it was new and you could feel it engage and disengage near the beginning of the pull and release. Almost like on a cable clutch when you have it adjusted out all the way...and then it's completely gone.

I only have 1850 miles on it so it seems a little premature for the clutch to go out. I have contacted the dealer and waiting to hear back from them. I thought I would check with anyone here to see if anyone else has had a similar clutch issue.
Click to expand...
 
zvez said:
try bleeding your clutch, be sure to bleed at the slave cylinder as well as the master cylinder lever, that should solve the problem.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info.
Just curious but why would I need to bleed it? Is this going to be a continual problem or is it just a one time issue?
 
Yes, I understand bleeding it will remove air but why would it get air in the system now?
 
I don't have an explanation as to why but some people have had similar issues with air in the line. I suggest bleeding, if that fixes it good, if it comes back, you've probably got a bad or leaking slave. A lot of heat down there and can do wierd things to the clutch fluid.


flobrandx said:
Yes, I understand bleeding it will remove air but why would it get air in the system now?
Click to expand...
 
Sounds great, thanks. Now could any of you give me the proper run down on bleeding the clutch? I've never done it before so I like to ask the question and do it right the first time and minimize any potential errors by me.
 
Here's an exc. link:
Ducati Clutch Maintenance - Clutch Bleed Flush - YouTube

The clutch on the pani has two nipples, one by the lever and one at the slave.

You don't need to do the part on the first 7 minutes, the bleeding and such starts around 7.15 into the vid. He uses a vacuum bleeder which you don't really need. Hook a clear plastic tube to the nipple, the other end of the tube is stuck in a bottle this is where the old brake fluid goes. old brake fluid will squirt in there as you bleed. To bleed, open the nipple just a bit with the wrench, squeeze the lever all the way, fluid will flow out, BEFORE releasing the lever, close the nipple with the wrench. Repeat this several times, make sure to keep the level up in the reservoir. Start with the nipple by the lever, then move down to the lower nipple on the slave cylinder. Just remember BEFORE you release the lever you have to tighten the nipple, otherwise air will get into the system.

Hope this is a reasonable explanation.


flobrandx said:
Sounds great, thanks. Now could any of you give me the proper run down on bleeding the clutch? I've never done it before so I like to ask the question and do it right the first time and minimize any potential errors by me.
Click to expand...
 
zvez said:
Here's an exc. link:
Ducati Clutch Maintenance - Clutch Bleed Flush - YouTube

The clutch on the pani has two nipples, one by the lever and one at the slave.

You don't need to do the part on the first 7 minutes, the bleeding and such starts around 7.15 into the vid. He uses a vacuum bleeder which you don't really need. Hook a clear plastic tube to the nipple, the other end of the tube is stuck in a bottle this is where the old brake fluid goes. old brake fluid will squirt in there as you bleed. To bleed, open the nipple just a bit with the wrench, squeeze the lever all the way, fluid will flow out, BEFORE releasing the lever, close the nipple with the wrench. Repeat this several times, make sure to keep the level up in the reservoir. Start with the nipple by the lever, then move down to the lower nipple on the slave cylinder. Just remember BEFORE you release the lever you have to tighten the nipple, otherwise air will get into the system.

Hope this is a reasonable explanation.
Click to expand...

Best technique out there Zvez. Totally failsafe. I"m glad other people know this cos bleeding can be a freakin nightmare. If not done right:eek:
 
supduc10 said:
Best technique out there Zvez. Totally failsafe. I"m glad other people know this cos bleeding can be a freakin nightmare. If not done right:eek:
Click to expand...

Yup :)

Self learned this as an adventurous 888 owner back in the day, changing the OEM squishy rubber hoses for Goodridge.
 
Thanks zvez for all your help posting that vid. I've bleed brakes on a car before so I didn't think it would be that difficult but I just wanted as much info as possible before taking on the task. It never hurts to ask since there are usually nuances to certain manufacturers or models. I just don't like to F .... up! Thanks again for everyone's input! Now off to bleed...
 
No worries, only way to learn this stuff is to ask! Especially since ducati seems intent on NOT giving us a manual.



flobrandx said:
Thanks zvez for all your help posting that vid. I've bleed brakes on a car before so I didn't think it would be that difficult but I just wanted as much info as possible before taking on the task. It never hurts to ask since there are usually nuances to certain manufacturers or models. I just don't like to F .... up! Thanks again for everyone's input! Now off to bleed...
Click to expand...
 
I'm pretty sure the heat has a lot to do with it, I have to "burp" the bleeder on the clutch master cylinder on my track bike at just about every track day to get the firm lever feel back.
 
Was easy when I used the right fluid. Takes MAYBE 5 minutes. I have everything sorted now.

No Santa Hats...
shakinghead.gif
 
Last edited:
Just picked up some fluid today and also talked to the service dept. and they also said to try bleeding it. I will take care of it tomorrow morning. Yeah a service manual would be nice...
Thanks again!
 
This seems to be a frequent problem that hopefully will result in a recall from Ducati.

The "loss-of-clutch" nearly caught me out recently when doing a U-turn when the road turned to dirt. Mid way thru the turn, I went for a little bit more clutch, but there was none and ran wide into a ditch. Fortunately I kept the bike upright and found clutch on the second pump.

Bled the clutch that evening and all was well.

I wonder if Ducati would have accepted a warranty claim if I had dropped the bike in the dirt?
 
I had a similar problem awhile back. My clutch slave cylinder was "torqued to tight" from the factory. I got a new slave cylinder under warranty. My clutch had problems then it completely wouldn't engage. Bleed it. If it doesn't work go to the closest dealership.
 

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