When should the clutch hydraulic system be inspected for air?

Inspecting the clutch hydraulic system for air is critical, especially when gear grinding occurs. Gear grind typically indicates that the clutch is not fully disengaging. This could be due to various factors, one of which is air in the hydraulic system, causing insufficient pressure to operate the clutch effectively. When air gets trapped in the hydraulic lines, it can create a condition where the hydraulic pedal feels spongy, leading to incomplete disengagement of the clutch when shifting gears. Therefore, whenever there are signs of gear grind, it is essential to check for air in the hydraulic clutch system as it could be symptomatic of a larger issue impacting the vehicle's performance and safety.