Author Topic: Brake fluid flush (Read 5546 times)

TexasRedNeck · « **on:** November 10, 2015, 10:37:27 PM »

So, what's your maintenance schedule for brake fluid? Age? Mileage?

I try to do it every two years...not always that disciplined.

What's your schedule and the logic behind it?

Sammconn · « **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2015, 01:32:15 AM »

I'm on the other end of the spectrum.
I know I'm wrong in not doing it more often.
I've done mine once since 2006, about two summers ago. (150k ish)
I do check moisture content, and primarily use it as an indicator.
Did the flush only because I replaced callipers.

Like you RN I'd like some input as I think we collectively cover both extremes.

EL TATE · « **Reply #2 on:** November 11, 2015, 01:34:57 AM »

Been away from recommended schedules for too long, but as it's hydroscopic I like to change it every 2-3 years like you. If it starts to get murky, sooner. I suppose it probably depends on relative humidity, so drier climates like yours and Ken's probably allow for longer intervals.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2015, 07:24:04 AM »

Given my humidity, I should probably do it every 6 months....

This made it much easier. Otherwise , I'd probably never do it...
http://motiveproducts.3dcartstores.com/1740-POWER-FILL-PRO-15-gallon_p_79.html

rpar86 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2015, 05:59:58 PM »

Quote from: TexasRedNeck on November 11, 2015, 07:24:04 AM

Given my humidity, I should probably do it every 6 months....

This made it much easier. Otherwise , I'd probably never do it...
http://motiveproducts.3dcartstores.com/1740-POWER-FILL-PRO-15-gallon_p_79.html

How does that work RN? Does it just keep the master cylinder topped off as you bleed the calipers? I bought this from HFT for $30, hope it works as advertised when I get around to replacing my lines.

http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2015, 07:32:52 PM »

Ryan, that one looks like it creates a vacuum using compressed air to suck fluid from the system. I'm no expert, but I've been told that some ABS systems are sensitive to that method. The Motive Products is a pressure system that you fill with fluid and then pressurize while it is sealed to the master cylinder. ( you use various caps/adapters for different makes of cars - e.g. most GM cars and trucks have a threaded cap of the same size so the motive system has a cap with a gasket to which the hose from the pressurized container connects) Then you just crack the bleeder screw to allow the old fluid out as the new fluid flows in under pressure. A hose and bottle is used to capture the fluid as it flows out. I alternate the gold and blue fluid so it makes it easier to see when the new fluid comes through the hose.

I start at the furthest and work my way to the closest bleeder. You have to let a lot of fluid come out the first bleeder to get all the old fluid out of the reservoir (or you can suction the old fluid out of the reservoir and fill with new before starting to bleed)

JR · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2015, 01:32:48 AM »

I built mine for under 30 with a gauge.

Lawn sprayer, gauge and a couple fittings. Hardest part is the cap.

stlaser · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2015, 05:52:02 PM »

Never, maybe I'm wrong but unless I blow a line it doesn't get flushed..........

My granddad was mechanic in WWII then farmer and he taught me and that was never part of the maintenance on any vehicle or tractor.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2015, 09:23:28 PM »

True, but perhaps now that an ABS module is $1600, it might make a bigger difference than bleeding the brakes on my '62 Chevy

KensAuto · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2015, 09:58:41 PM »

From my perspective (dealing with clueless customers that abide by factory recommended service intervals), if it has went past the 60-80k mile mark, don't do more than a suck and refill of the reservoir. Start disturbing the system past that and you end up with more problems. Some cars you can't even bleed without a scan tool,(as in, no fluid will exit the bleeders until you tell the abs pump to open the ports) and if you make a mistake, it's costly.
ie: Unknowingly get a little air in the system, turn on the key, step on the brakes, and bam, the ABS system goes haywire.
Same with p/s fluid. Just about no one has that fluid serviced until something happens....noise, leak, etc.

So, I typically will only change the fluids in the reservoirs, if they are dark, unless it's a good customer and they except the risk of something going wrong in the near future ...and flush when they are fairly clean (which is tough to sell).

disclaimer: Darkness of fluid to be determined by my highly sensitive, perfectly calibrated, trained eyes. Level of moisture to be determined by my employee's 22 year old taste buds.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2015, 10:12:21 PM »

Oh, then I am a geek. I do both the brake flush and the PS system....

I was feeling guilty for going 2 1/2 years and 20k miles on my wifes van

JR · « **Reply #11 on:** November 12, 2015, 10:26:52 PM »

I built mine to set up new systems.

To flush, just open a bleeder and keep filling the reservior, works well enough letting gravity do the work. Not fast but it works.

KensAuto · « **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2015, 10:42:25 PM »

Quote from: TexasRedNeck on November 12, 2015, 10:12:21 PM

Oh, then I am a geek. I do both the brake flush and the PS system....

I was feeling guilty for going 2 1/2 years and 20k miles on my wifes van

Not at all....that's fine. I was just sayin don't do it if it has went too far. Cheap insurance if you do it yourself....just don't mess it up!

altho 20k might be a little Texish :)

Yeah, JR, that won't work on some of the newer cars. You open the bleeder and nothing comes out...wth....step on the brakes...nothing comes out...wth...look up the specs and find out it's one of "those".

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #13 on:** November 12, 2015, 10:46:30 PM »

Which ones are "those" Ken? All 4 of the Mercedes I've owned I could pressure bleed. And I've don't a ton of the BMWs for a friend of mine. Of course all the GM stuff works too.

Which ones are the land mines I need to look out for?

KensAuto · « **Reply #14 on:** November 12, 2015, 11:09:35 PM »

iirc, the last one that wouldn't gravity bleed was a Landcruiser.

I've had a few Gms (the ones with a pressure canister) give me fits, and several Dodges. We work on all makes, and I've probably had issues with most brands. Most if not all newer ones require using a scanner to bleed if the system has been opened (like replacing a master cylinder and not getting all of the air out bench bleeding). The scanner fires off the pump, then cycles each channel in a certain sequence to allow bleeding at each corner. I've seen a couple with a self bleed "functional test", I think that was on a system with it's own reservoir (prius maybe?.?). I've also had air get trapped in the abs unit itself.....clear fluid coming from the calipers....2 quarts later, break out the scanner .(I'm stubborn)

If only I had a better memory.....I can spend 3 hours sorting out a brake problem, only to forget what I learned when a similar problem comes in a couple years later.

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #15 on:** November 13, 2015, 06:41:39 AM »

At my age Ken its not about remembering anymore. Its about knowing where I keep my notes....gotta keep notes

KensAuto · « **Reply #16 on:** November 13, 2015, 09:16:12 AM »

My work PC is a post-it forest!

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #17 on:** November 13, 2015, 09:45:49 AM »

uh, OK. I was thinking more high tech, like an excel spreadsheet and redundant back ups...

Flyin6 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 13, 2015, 10:22:04 AM »

Ken is EMP ready!

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #19 on:** November 13, 2015, 10:23:37 AM »

^^ Now THAT is funny

Flyin6 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 13, 2015, 10:25:45 AM »

"When you can snatch the pebbles from my hand, time for you to leave..."

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #21 on:** November 13, 2015, 10:35:01 AM »

I'm happy learning from the master(s)

Its the way I approach my weapons training and why I refuse to teach.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #22 on:** November 13, 2015, 11:06:13 AM »

KensAuto · « **Reply #23 on:** November 13, 2015, 11:27:27 AM »

Quote from: TexasRedNeck on November 13, 2015, 09:45:49 AM

uh, OK. I was thinking more high tech, like an excel spreadsheet and redundant back ups...

uh, no. You know me better than that and we've never even met in person!

JR · « **Reply #24 on:** November 13, 2015, 02:37:47 PM »

Step off the rice paper, nevermind it is ripped beyond use,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #25 on:** November 13, 2015, 05:20:36 PM »

Rofl. How true.

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