I have a ’99 Ranger XLT, 4.0, 5-speed, 4WD, 196,000 miles. Engine runs strong. The clutch and slave cylinder were replaced about 4 years ago. The slave cylinder has to be bled every 6-10 months or so. Once it is bled, it shifts perfectly for a while, then gets progressively more difficult over time, especially when the truck is hot or the weather is warm. Is this normal for a Ranger 5 speed? I bled it 8 months ago with a power bleeder, and everything was fine. Just went to bleed it again with the power bleeder (32 oz. of fresh DOT 3 fluid), and only a few drops came out of the bleeder screw, despite 10 lbs. pressure. Any idea what is happening - some sort of blockage? How to fix? Input is appreciated.

 

No not normal

If there is no fluid leaking from bell housing then slave is fine, problem will be in the Master/reservoir/quick connect system

So replace it, Master kit should come with all the parts mentioned: reservoir with hose attached to master, and quick connect hose that goes to slave, also attached to master

It is sucking in air at one of the fittings over time, which is why you need to rebleed it

 

Ron, thanks for the information.

 

Its possible its just not quite bled well enough either. Due to their location they are a royal PITA to get the air out of them without bench bleeding or flipping the master upside down to force any air out.