[jhv48]

The slave rod (assuming you have a pusher type slave) will always push against the clutch fork, thus puting pressure on the throwout bearing. There will be NO clearance. That's the way both the slave and throwout bearing are designed.

Easiest way to bleed is to remove the cap on the reservoir and crawl underneath and loosen the bleeder screw. No clutch pushing is necessary. The fluid will travel from the reservoir to the slave due to gravity. Put a pail underneath the slave and refill the reservoir two or three times or until the fluid coming out of the slave is clear. Tighten bleeder, refill reservoir and you're done. Takes about twenty minutes to let gravity do its job.