[MB1]

I've seen some threads when searching on this and other forums about the difference between the C6 and C7 Clutch system. I've not located an factual differences. After researching, it seems there are some flaws in the C6s clutch system and wondered if it was better on the C7 (from a maintenance perspective). I see that the reservoir isn't clear like it used to be possibly to not show the clutch dust as easily (just a theory). I just don't know what else if anything has chanced. I also know there is some controversy about the Ranger method but wondering if any of you guys are going to use it and if anyone knows if some of the flaws (dust getting past the seals) have been improved in this generation.

My car has under 1,000 relatively easy miles so I haven't done anything yet.

For the couple of people that aren't familiar: Clutch Care


Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Dasyatis]

The SSR community has had similar issues with the 6 speed versions. I independently came up with essentially the same answer which they are still using. Definitely something to watch in the future. My bet is the hot and humid (Florida, etc) climates will see it first followed by the desert (Vegas, etc). Heat and humidity are the enemy over time. The clutch wear debris migrating into the system is an interesting and insidious problem. That alone would be enough reason to get onto a periodic maintenance schedule (or at least inspection). Back to the SSRs, it wasn't about who was driving hard or not, they all eventually encounter the same issue. I suspect we'll see the same over time. At least it's an easy 'fix'.

 

[Tuner Boost]

I assume your referring to Ranger and his drag racing techniques and tips? Guy is way more skilled than I at launching and shifting...he can take any stock vette and run quicker than any magazine test!

They are still all the same hydraulic release bearing with a master cylinder. Normal driving most never see an issue, but if driven competitively most will experience the "clutch pedal to the floor" issue. What causes this is a combination of the heat the fluid is subject to as the line from the master cylinder to the slave/release bearing runs along the exhaust header and pre-cats, and the fact that even though the seals on the release bearing do a great job of preventing fluid leaks, the fine dust that is clutch material residue is drawn back into the fluid side with every return (after depressing the clutch) so a small amount of contamination occurs. Over time this "sludges up" the fluid so it turns dark and will at times not allow the fluid to return at the proper rate and the pedal sticks to the floor. This has been a common issue since the C5 was released in 1997 and you can read about the "drill mod" , larger fluid reservoirs, etc. but aside from changing fluid during track events (the "turkey baster" method is popular, the only true fix is an aftermarket system that constantly circulates the fluid every time the pedal is depressed and then forces it through a filter cartridge in a finned cooling reservoir before returning it to the OEM master cylinder.

The good thing is most wont drive their car that hard and experience this ever, and when new, it takes a while for the new system to begin to dirty the fluid.