Help with Brake Fluid Change

[Mikecolosprings]

I have the chilton Book on my car doesn't tell me how to do a Fluid change, Just how to bleed them.
I've never done it, So I have no clue how to do it.
I know about the Bleeder Screws and all that, But I dont Know if I should just drain all of the fluid then fill it back up and bleed it until its good.

[ker]

it will be easier with two people. one sits in the driver seat to press/pump the brake pedal while one does the bleeder screws. have the new brake fluid on hand.
fill your fluid container to the top.
start with the farthest wheel from the fluid container (usually the right rear).
have your "help" press the brake pedal.
you open the bleeder.
you watch the fluid come out thru a clear tube.
the pedal goes to the floor, your help keeps it there until after you re-tighten the bleeder screw.
tell your help to let off the pedal, letting it come back up.
repeat this process until there are no air bubbles and the fluid begins to look clear (assuming your old fluid will have some discoloration).
repeat this for each bleeder - some have two for each brake.
then move to the next wheel farthest from the fluid container.
be certain, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, that you check your fluid level often so you don't allow any air in the system.

hope this helps.

[CMC#35]

The other method I've seen for replacing fluid is to use a siphon (suction method) to pull the fluid out of the container in the engine well. Then, when you think you most of it is out, you put new in, and start the bleeding process as described in the above post.

The thing you absolutely want to be careful about is not letting air get into the lines. I don't really drain brake fluid: I push in new.

Once you open a bottle of brake fluid, it either goes into the car right away, or it gets thrown away. You don't keep a partial bottle around, because in less than a day, it will have absorbed enough air that it's no good.

If we've succeeded in scaring you away from the job, then we went a little too far. :)

-chris

[Mikecolosprings]

Thank You Very Much, And no you didn't scare me, I have never taken my Car to the Shop and never will(Except to do Computer Tunning)

[RichV]

Once you open a bottle of brake fluid, it either goes into the car right away, or it gets thrown away. You don't keep a partial bottle around, because in less than a day, it will have absorbed enough air that it's no good.


I never knew that. Thanks for the tip!

[Mikecolosprings]

I heard that it Absorbs Water from the Humidity in air.
And then the water Lowers the Boiling point.
Thats what the Chilton book says

[CMC#35]

Mike's correct: it's technically the water in the air.

-chris

[MHISSTC]

hygroscopic - readily absorbing moisture, as from the atmosphere

[CMC#35]

uh oh - a car guy with a dictionary. everybody duck! LOL!

[Mikecolosprings]

:eek: Look Out :eek:

[MHISSTC]

uh oh - a car guy with a dictionary. everybody duck! LOL!

AND a Meteorology degree
:D