By cardoctor

It is important to know that the brake fluid in your vehicle can become corrosive and cause hydraulic component failure in long term use.

 

Instructions:

 

Step1 Did you know that brake fluid naturally absorbs moisture over time? Brake fluid that has absorbed moisture can cause sluggish brake response and can also cause corrosion to components of your vehicles braking system.

First of all, this procedure can be done on a DIY basis... But, you may find it to be more cost effective to have the service performed at a reputable repair shop. The following steps are for the DIYer.

If your vehicle has more than 2 years on it from the factory, then it is a prime candidate for a brake fluid flush. Open hood and locate the brake master cylinder. You can inspect the brake fluid condition by observing the color of it in the master cylinder reservoir. Clean brake fluid is clear in color and the older and more used (contaminated) it is the darker the color. I have seen fluid that is actually dark green to black in color. The more contaminated the fluid is, the more at danger the internal rubber components of the brake hydraulic system are at. Most hydraulic failures are NOT the fault of the component but rather the effects of what contaminated brake fluid has done to those components.

 

Step2 Safety stands to support vehicle. Raise the vehicle up high enough to set on jack stands and remove wheels.(Removing wheels will allow easier access to the bleeder screws)Support vehicle on all four stands at the same time and remove all four wheels. Place the stands under the frame or under the suspension. Depends on the type of vehicle as to contact points for the stands.

 

Step3 Bleeder screw on a typical brake caliper. Locate the bleeder screws on all four brakes. Some vehicles are equipped with four wheel discs and other have front and rear drum type(older vehicle)and still others have a combination of front disc rear drum. In any case attempt to open the bleeder screw by turning it counter clockwise and it will begin to leak. Do this on each brake and once the bleeder has been opened, tighten back up and move to next brake. If bleeder screw will not come loose with moderate pressure, do not use excessive force or the bleeder screw may round off or break. If this happens then it usually requires wheel cylinder/caliper replacement.

 

Step4 Once the bleeder screws have been found to come loose. Place the drain pan under the right rear brake and open the bleeder screw enough to allow the fluid to flow and drain into the pan. You will need to have the master cylinder cap off at this time so that the fluid can flow. Clean the brake fluid reservoir of any dirt and remove cap. Let the fluid flow until the dark colored fluid is replaced by clean fluid. This may take some time because you are relying on gravity to help remove the fluid. During this procedure be sure to maintain the fluid level in the master cylinder. DO NOT let the reservoir go empty.

After getting clean fluid from the right rear brake close the bleeder screw and move to the left rear brake and repeat the process on the brake. The next brake is the right front and then the final will be the left front, performing the same process on all four brakes.

 

Step5 Be sure NOT to get any of the brake fluid used or new on any painted surfaces of the vehicle. BRAKE FLUID WILL DESTROY PAINT!!!! Also wearing protective gloves might be a plus here.. Not absolutely necessary, but probably helpful.

 

Step6 After getting all four brakes to flow clean fluid (probably about 1qt to 2qts of brake fluid) and all bleeder screws are tight, check the brake pedal condition. Step on the pedal and the pedal should feel firm and high off of the floor. You may need to pump pedal a couple of times to achieve this. If the pedal is spongy or low then you will need a helper to pump the pedal 5 to 10 times and bleed each wheel in the pattern as before having the helper hold light pressure on the pedal as it drops during your bleed process. After doing this for all for corners, the pedal condition should be good. Dispose of waste brake fluid at any oil disposal facility in accordance with state and local laws.

 

Step7 Wynn's brake fluid flush Now, if this sounds like a lot of work to you, you may want to call the repair facility and price a brake flush with them. Wynn's brake flushes are what I use and the facility will use a flush machine that does the job with pressure and vacuum. It does do a better job than that of a DIY situation but usually costs in the range of $75.00 to $125.00. Your average quart of brake fluid is $6.00 or so. So you can see the savings if you decide to do it yourself.