Bleeding the hydraulic system.

The dark clutch fluid is something that Ducati riders have put up with. And it is on the list of those things that worry us at first and then we learn to just ignore.

If it bothers you the solution is an aftermarket replacement clutch slave.

It's time to bleed the clutch if your lever action is difficult or your service requires it.

1. Clutch pump
2. Control lever
3. Pump-clutch connecting pipe
4. Push plunger
   
5. Release rod
   
6. Push Disk
   
7. Clutch bell
8. Oil drain pipe fitting

What you need:

1. Clear hose
2. Jar
3. Break Fluid

How To:

1. On the clutch cylinder you will see a nipple like bolt known as a bleed with a hex fitting around it. Find a box ended wrench that will fit on there.
2. Now with the wrench on there, Put the clear hose on the bleed, and into a jar. Pour some brake fluid into the jar, and make sure the hose is fully inside that brake fluid.
3. Now break the bleed on the clutch cylinder loose, but don't loosen it just break the initial hold.
4. Now grab your clutch lever with one hand, and the wrench on the bleed with the other.
5. Slowly pull the brake lever, and as it begins to move, loosen the bleed, you will either see air or brake fluid come out or a combination of both.
6. BEFORE the clutch lever reaches the bottom of its travel, close the bleed. Now let go of the clutch lever.
7. Repeat this until you see only brake fluid, and no air come out of the bleed.
   

IMPORTANT!!

MAKE SURE you have enough fluid in your reservoir. If it runs out, you'll suck air into the line you'll have to bleed the whole system.

Also if you haven't opened the nipple in a long time, be very careful. It is real easy to strip or break the nipple while loosening it. If this happens you will need to take out the banjo bolt and replace both the nipple and the banjo. You should be able to get both of these from your local duc shop for $12. One of the cheapest repairs you'll ever have.