I have a car that is new to me and I have been through and replaced every fluid in the car. I have left the clutch hydraulic fluid alone however. Is there any clutch maintenance that is recommend? This is my first standard so I’m not sure. Should the clutch fluid be replaced? If so, how and what fluid is recommended? Anything else I should do or check? I’m assuming there isn’t any adjustments?

also I have a hard time putting the car in reverse without grinding unless I put it in 1st gear then reverse. Is this Normal?

thanks!

 

It uses brake fluid. Since brake fluid is hygroscopic (seeks out and attracts moisture from the air) it inevitably contaminates itself. It should be changed but there's no good way to do that. Fortunately the hose will rupture occasionally, or the system will otherwise require replacement, so it kinda takes care of itself over the long term.

No adjustments.

Yes it is normal for reverse to grind if you don't synchronize it manually. In theT-5, as well as virtually EVERY other manual transmission produced before around 2000, there is no synchronizer on reverse, so the driver has to do it. If s/he does not, the fluid gets filled with metal chips from the grinding gears, and the transmission eats itself.