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Free Car Repair Advice by Certified ASE Technicians



How Do I Repair My Car? / How Do I Flush My Brake System?

How to Flush or Bleed a Car Brake System

WARNING!  Always have the vehicle under inspection on level ground, in park with the emergency brake on. Always wear protective eyewear, gloves and necessary clothing before inspection or work begins. Never crank an engine over when anyone is near the battery or engine. Always have an operational fire extinguisher close by, obey all first aid instructions in the event of an injury. Never stand in front or behind a vehicle when cranked over or running. When engine is cranked over keep hands and clothing away from rotating components. Never move a car without proper brake pedal operation.



Introduction

The brake fluid in your cars brake system is a hydraulic based fluid and is used to transfer force from the brake pedal, the brake caliper or the wheel cylinder. The purpose of the brake system fluid change is remove moisture, air and containments from the braking system. Moisture is the leading cause of brake system operation failure. Brake fluid is subject to extreme pressure and heat so the boiling point of brake fluid is important. The higher boiling point the need for higher quality brake fluid is required; this fluid must also have a very low freezing point. There are several forms of brake fluid that are rated by the government for the various boiling points and other factors. These rating are DOT2, DOT3, DOT4 and DOT5. Distinctive ratings define the chemicals the fluid is produced with such as, mineral oil, ester glycol esters and synthetic oils. Many of these fluids are not compatible so make sure you add and flush your brake system with the manufacturers recommended brake fluid. Almost all brake fluid is corrosive and extreme care must be used when handling brake fluid. Always uses protective gloves, clothing and eyewear to guard against accidental spillage. Always add brake fluid from a sealed container and never allow moisture into the brake fluid. A brake system flush is used to remove any moisture and dirt out of the system and replace it with new fluid. After a flush is complete a full system bleed procedure is required, always check brake pedal operation if normal brake pedal operation is not present do NOT move vehicle until further inspection or repairs are performed.

Typical Brake Master Cylinder

Brake Master Cylinder

Identify brake master cylinder components, brake fluid cap, brake master cylinder, fluid lines, and brake fluid level sensor. Inspect for any brake fluid leakage around the master cylinder and check for proper fluid level regularly. If leakage is present replace master cylinder immediately.

Getting Started

Brake Fluid

Remove brake fluid reservoir cap and insert brake fluid removal tool, remove as much brake fluid as possible. Then refill the master cylinder with new fluid most cars use DOT3 or DOT4 but you should consult the cap on the master cylinder or your owner's manual. Once the master cylinder is full loosen all four brake fluid bleeder screws on the brake caliper or wheel cylinder. Next, press the brake pedal down completely, while holding the brake pedal down have a helper close all four brake bleeder screws. Now allow the brake pedal to return to normal position slowly, this will draw new fluid into the master cylinder body. Continue this procedure until the brake fluid is clean out of each bleeder, close all bleeders and refill the master cylinder to the proper level.

CAUTION: DO NOT DRIVE OR MOVE A VEHICLE UNTIL NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION IS PRESENT!



Common Problems:

Stuck Brake Bleeder? - Is the brake bleeder screw tight? Yes vary, this is because all bleeder screws seal against a taper fit seat in the brake wheel cylinder or caliper to create the valve that controls brake fluid flow. When loosening a brake bleeder always spray WD40 or equivalent to aid rust removal then use quality tool with little to no wear on it.

No Fluid out of the Brake Bleeder? - This because the bleeder is not used very often it can get filled with dirt and moisture, clogging the passage. If this is the case open the bleeder and press the brake pedal down, this additional pressure from the other bleeders being closed will force the fluid out of the plugged bleeder. Once the bleeder has become unplugged finish the bleeding procedure until clean fluid is present. Then close the bleeder and release the brake pedal slowly.

How Do I Repair My Car? / How Do I Flush My Brake System?

Additional "How to" Car Repair or Services

ASK BRAKE SYSTEM BLEED QUESTIONS - Join our question and answer forum where free auto repair questions are answered every month, after you have completed our free signup you will able to ask a question and receive an answer from one of our many forum members. If you elect to donate any small amount of money we will assign one of our 2CarPros Certified Repair Technicians to answer your question. Questions with donations are answered promptly and 100% of the donation is awarded to the technician helping you.

GET ONLINE CAR REPAIR MANUALS - Get instant access to your vehicles wiring diagrams, firing orders, component locator, vacuum diagrams, repair procedures, specific testing and diagnostics for troubleshooting, steering and suspension information, heating and air-conditioning problems, safety belt and airbag restraint repair, factory bulletins and general information and much more. We recommend that anyone needing technical repair information should have a quality auto repair manual for their car.

  





     
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