subject: Flush Brake Fluid Is Done On A Routine Basis
[print this page] Vehicle owners should be aware that one needs to flush brake fluid regularly. The hydraulic pressure of the vehicle's brakes should be maintained all the time. Also known as bleeding it is a procedure employed to clear out the air bubbles in the braking system and to replace the old used liquid. There are five methods that can be used to do this but typically more modern and faster systems are employed to speed up the process and only requiring one person.
Flushing the system is often not mentioned in the vehicle's maintenance manual. When left unchecked corrosion can begin in the system. Water will cause the swelling and deterioration of seals. The liquid should be changed every two years or 30,000 miles. If the car is in a very humid environment then the fluid should be changed every year.
The goal is optimization of the system for safer vehicle use. Whenever moisture has been able to penetrate into the liquid the system must be flushed as soon as possible. The pedal will feel firmer, there will be less likelihood of corrosion and the system's life expectancy will be lengthened.
The color of clean brake fluid is a kind of transparent amber. When contaminated it becomes cloudy and dark colored. A piece of equipment called a tester can be utilized to gauge the boiling point of this liquid. When it descends below three hundred thirty degrees there should be a bleeding. Most vehicles require the Dot 3 type of brake fluid. To confirm the manual will have this information available.
One should never mix the types of brake fluid or use another kind of oil in place of it. Any liquid that is left over should be discarded since once opened it will start to absorb moisture making it unsuitable for future use.
Two people flushing the system will facilitate the procedure. Preparations should include acquiring some clean rags, a spanner to fit the bleed valve, a bottle for the used liquid, clear plastic tubing to place over the valve, and a bleeding kit with vacuum pump. The instruments needed will consist of a jack, two jack stands and a wrench. The manual will indicate in which order to do the flush.
It helps to jack up the vehicle for easier accessibility. The master cylinder cap should be wiped clean of any dirt prior to unscrewing it. The rubber cap should then be unscrewed from the bleed point. As one person gently pumps the brake they should hold down the pedal to maintain the vacuum while wrenching open the bleeder valves. Air should not be permitted to back into the lines. The liquid must be kept above the minimum level.
When there are no longer any air bubbles present, the screw should be tightened and recapped. Flush brake fluid should be repeated in the order that the manual describes until all the air bubbles are allowed to escape. The master cylinder should be refilled to the maximum level.
