Flushing brake fluid
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 268
Likes: 2
From: Crawfordsville Indiana
Flushing brake fluid
Has anyone used the gravity method for flushing brake fluid? No pressure or vacuum, no speed bleeders, just open the bleeder and let the fluid run out keeping the master filled until clean fluid runs through then close the bleeders? I needto do my 95.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Marianna FL
It will take a while to do it that way. Any car I ever gravity bled was a leave it open and come back later type of thing. I'd be worried about letting the MC go dry. I have a pressure bleeder and and it works great. I'd recommend using something like that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Obama=death for America
I use the type that involves an air compressor. I love it. It sucks the fluid out in seconds. I got mine from Griots Garage. The only thing is, you need to have someone stand by the master, ready to fill it immediately because it works so fast.
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On my 88. with dual MC reservoirs, I break both rear bleeder screws loose first. Have fluid ready to refill MC. I refill about 5 times to get all burnt fluid out/ Close up rear bleeders and move to front
I refill about three times
I like Valvoline SYNTEC brake fluid, it has very high temp tolerance without burming
I used to have to change out fluid two or three time a year, with SYNTEC, it lasts over a year
Max G’s
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Monroe OH
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Pressure bleeder and speed bleeders work great. May also be a good time to add stainless steel brake lines as well. 
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Denton TX
I just purchased a set of braided stainless brake lines from Zip and the vacuum brake bleeder from Griot's...have Valvoline Synthetic Brake Fluid on the bench and a complete set of line wrenches. I am waiting for my car to come back from the body shop tomorrow ( cosmetic cleanup of some very minor rash) and the temps to warm up a bit. Mid to high 30s here in Texas with lots of rain. Bummer....we were near 90 degrees last week.. OH well.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: SE NY
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After replacing the MC a few years ago I flushed the system with fresh fluid. I placed a plastic tube over the bleeder with the other end in a can of brake fluid and cracked the bleeder.
Then I pumped the brake pedal till fresh fluid came out, repeating at each wheel. Since the "open" end of the tubing was submersed in brake fluid, no air could enter the system when I released the pedal.
Then I pumped the brake pedal till fresh fluid came out, repeating at each wheel. Since the "open" end of the tubing was submersed in brake fluid, no air could enter the system when I released the pedal.
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Team Owner
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M10 X 1.0 and there are a couple different lengths available for original C4 calipers. If other than OE C4 calipers match the bleeder to the caliper by application.
Every major vendor has "application" charts!
Every major vendor has "application" charts!
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Denton TX
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Denton TX
Got'em done yesterday...We used Zip's braided brake lines ( good fit and quality) and replaced all four corners, Griot's suction device to some success...Valvoline Synthetic Brake Fluid Dot 3 & 4. When you are replacing brake hoses, you use a lot more fluid and get some gravity effect from the lines being open during the process. Eventually, I involve the female brake pedal specialist at our house to assist. The pedal is much more firm now. A combination of bled brakes and better hoses.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Sacramento Tennessee
Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Sacramento Tennessee
Speed Bleeders called me today to confirm my order. I ordered the 1010 models. They asked if I had upgraded the brakes. I told them that I hadn't. That's when they told me on the early year C4's they take the 1010S. Same price so I asked them to send the correct ones. That's first class customer service. Copper
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: MANDEVILLE, LA La
Speed Bleeders called me today to confirm my order. I ordered the 1010 models. They asked if I had upgraded the brakes. I told them that I hadn't. That's when they told me on the early year C4's they take the 1010S. Same price so I asked them to send the correct ones. That's first class customer service. Copper
Last edited by CAJUN C4; Mar 18, 2009 at 11:17 AM.
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What makes a speed bleeder better? It looks like the stock bleed screw. 