Clutch Fluid

SkullV · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-07, 01:42 AM

Hey, I was wondering what color my clutch fluid SHOULD be, and also what type of fluid to use?

SkullV

zozmanCTS-V · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-07, 02:09 AM

Clear. DOT 3 or DOT 4.

SkullV · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-07, 02:32 AM

If its supposed to be clear...then what does it mean when its brown? I just got the CTS-V 2 weeks ago and it only had 5200 miles on it??

SkullV

ewill3rd · #4 (**permalink**) 03-23-07, 06:30 AM

The fluid can get pretty dark on these, don't freak out.
Just make sure there is some in the reservoir.

The manual says a " DOT 3 Hydraulic fluid".
GM does make a special flluid for the clutch that is DOT 3, but DOT 3 brake fluid should be just fine.
The GM Part number for the clutch fluid is: Hydraulic Clutch Fluid GM P/N 12345347 (Canadian P/N 10953517) or equivalent.

tedcmiller · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-07, 10:00 AM

The regular CTS, unlike the CTS-V, does not have a separate reservoir for the hydraulic clutch. It uses the brake resevoir as a source of hydraulic fluid for the clutch. As indicated by other posters, GM does specify a special fluid for the CTS-V clutch, but the use of ordinary DOT-3 seems to be OK. Also, even though the fluid starts out clear, it rapidly turns dark brown. It has been suggested that this discoloration is due to leaching from the rubber hose that connects the top-side reservoir to the clutch itself. This is probably an accurate conclusion, but does not imply that the hose is deteriorating.