About every two weeks I have to re-bleed air out of the hydraulic clutch linkage on the 03 Ranger (4WD - 4.0). Got it down to 19 minutes this a.m. before heading out to work. Is it possible, or a somewhat common problem, for air to be pulled into the system through a defective clutch position switch?

Later this month I will replace the entire clutch and linkage system (except for the position switch) in hopes that will fix the problem (replacing flywheel, pilot bearing, clutch disc, pressure plate, master cylinder, slave cylinder, and throw-out bearing.) Wondering whether i should spend the money to replace the switch at the same time.

Thanks for the advice.

 

No, the NSS(neutral safety switch) is located outside the master cylinder, it is clamped on to the pedal's pushrod, when clutch pedal is pushed in all the way the switch is compressed and closes, passing the 12volts from the key switch to the starter relay, allowing starter motor to activate.

Air can enter from leak in slave or master, also any of the lines.
You would almost always see fluid near the leak.
Pull off inspection plate under bell housing and feel if there is fluid at the bottom of the housing, that would be from the slave leaking.
I assume you keep the reservoir topped up.

 

Thank you for your reply. It is reassuring to learn that the switch is mechanical and not hydraulic.

When I pull the rubber cap off of the bleed screw, it is wet inside the cap. Could be a bad bleed screw that is not sealing.

Yes, fluid is topped off. I see about a 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch drop in the fluid level over the course of 3 weeks. When I pull the trans. I will look inside the bellhousing for evidences of leaks.

Thinking of changing all the rubber hoses to braided stainless steel flex brake lines of same length, to cure or forestall any leaks from bad hoses. Might also provide a better pedal feel. Will bench bleed both the new master and new slave cylinders before installing.

Lot more room to work under a lifted truck than my lowered 1970 stang. Almost enjoyable. haha.

 

The Ranger/Bronco II clutch systems are the hardest to bleed that I have ever run across, yes bench bleeding is best to start off with.

 

Thanks for the reply.