I just did the DKM Stage 2 clutch this last Monday on my MK7 GTI. I went with the Stage 2 because it’s more than enough holding power for the stock turbo with Stage 2 software, which is what I have. I plan on selling the car next year for a GT350, so no IS38 for me.
Anyways, no you do not need to drain the transmission fluid. I did though, and at almost 20k miles, the stock fluid looked really good still. I put Royal Purple in because I have it in my E46 M3 and love it. So no, you don’t have to do it, but it’s a cheap mod, and I would recommend doing it while your there.
The brake fluid uses DOT 4, which is also used to bleed the clutch. You just open up the brake reservoir, leave it open, open the bleeder valve, have a hose connected from the bleeder valve into an empty plastic bottle, and start pumping the clutch until the clutch feels firm, and there’s no more air in the line. Make sure you keep adding the DOT 4 fluid so the brake reservoir doesn’t run out. Very important! It’s very easy, but you do need two people for it. It took about 20 up and downs on my clutch pedal with the new DKM clutch in the car, to bleed the air out. The clutch will want to stick to the floor at first. Don’t be afraid. It’s supposed to do that. Just pull the clutch back up, and then down, and up, all slowly, and you’ll be good.
So far I’m loving he DKM clutch! Very very minor clutch chatter with the swindle mass flywheel it has in it, and the grabbing point is near the floor which is what I like. I’m still on break in, and at first it was stiff, but it’s lightened up quite a bit after 150 miles. Hope your install goes smooth. Just make sure you have the right tools, and energy to lift the transmission, and it should be a cake walk. Took me and my friend 7 hours start to finish, on jack stands. Good luck dude!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
