Suspension & Brakes Springs | Shocks | Handling | Rotors
Old 05-10-2016, 03:20 PM
How-Tos on this Topic
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:Browse all: Chevoret Camaro or Pontiac Firebird Brake Guides
Print Wikipost

Brake fluid flush???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-20-2013, 06:33 PM
  #41  
Launching!
iTrader: (2)
 
dirtbag's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

I flush mine whenever it's dirty now. At one point in time my brake fluid was literally BLACK so I figured what the heck I'll flush it. Bought a Mitey Vac for $35 from Harbor Freight and a big container of Super Blue Racing Fluid from Summit Racing for $12 then flushed it in under an hour. Let me tell you first hand my brakes before the flush were hard as a rock and I had brake fade after a single stop. Now I have a much better "feel" to the brakes and they do not fade anymore like before. It may be the fluid change but I wouldn't doubt the dirty fluid played a part. Dirty fluid could also eat up the seals in the master brake cylinder FWIW. Moral of the story - Don't pay Firestone $63 to flush your brakes. Do it in the garage and you will be able to flush it for cheap for now on. A big container will get you 5 flushes at least.
Old 08-21-2013, 12:21 PM
  #42  
TECH Fanatic
 
ghardester's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Knappa, Oregon
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 0
Received 56 Likes on 45 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by SuperSport01
I change my brake fluid when I open the cap to check it (every time I change my oil) and it has a hint of a brown tint to it. I usually don't bleed the fluid out though. I use a turkey baster and suck all the fluid out of the reservoir and then top it back off. Yeah i know its a half *** way to do it but it better than doing nothing at all. So far I've done this ~ 5 times since the car was new.
But brake fluid does not really circulate through the system, so you are only changing the fluid in the reservoir. There is no return from the wheel to the master. The worn out, dirty stuff, is still in the calipers and over time will cause brake fade and ruin the calipers.

Like dirtbag says, a Mity Vac is a great tool that you can use to pull clean fluid through your system without introducing air or needing anyone to help you. No brake pumping needed.

I change out my fluid each year with the Mity Vac. Super Blue DOT 4 one year, then amber DOT 4 the next year. You can tell by the color when you have pulled new fluid to each wheel. Great little gadget!
Old 08-22-2013, 05:58 AM
  #43  
Launching!
 
38DD2436's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 297
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I never needed a Mity Vac. Just some one to pump the pedal. I also have a Mity Vac.
Old 08-22-2013, 06:15 AM
  #44  
Launching!
 
38DD2436's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 297
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by mitchntx
LITTLE different than engine oil bud ... irony is a bitch, ain't it?

I was just using your logic, that's all. Faulty logic ... but logic, none the less.

Again, using your logic and thought process, a fluid that's hygroscopic and is 100% saturated with water (brake fluid is hygroscopic and begins absorbing humidity immediately) and then sits in metal lines for 13.5 years will cause no degredation to metal parts.

Is that really how you think?

Do you ever change your brake pads? Metal backing plates will actually stop the car, so what's the point, right?

Interesting ...

Oh and in a solid, presurized system like a braking system, the fluid doesn't "move back and forth". It simply compresses, creating hydraulilc pressure. There is movement ... miniscual movement ... more at the master cyclinder and almost nothing at the caliper. But it doesn't flow through the lines like in a power steering system.
A sample should have been sent to Blackstone Labs. Would have been interesting results.
Old 08-22-2013, 11:47 AM
  #45  
TECH Enthusiast
 
SuperSport01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: 336 NC
Posts: 709
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

ATE Super Blue is now banned in the US. Now it wont be as easy to tell if you've flushed your brake system thoroughly.
Old 09-03-2013, 11:19 AM
  #46  
Staging Lane
 
rkdc5z06's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

speed bleerders make things easier
Old 09-03-2013, 11:19 AM
  #47  
Staging Lane
 
rkdc5z06's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I did mine with Motul 600



Quick Reply: Brake fluid flush???



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:36 PM.