Flushing Brake Fluid
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 268
Likes: 2
From: Crawfordsville Indiana
Flushing Brake Fluid
I did a search on this topic and just spent 3 hours reading different member info. Flushing vs. bleeding, speedbleeders, Sears vaccume pumps etc. All good stuff. I'm getting ready to do my 95. I'm putting new roters, brake pads, shocks and tires. It's up on jack stands now. I'm leaning toward the speedbleaders. I have the FSM for the 95 and will follow their sequence rr,lr,rf,ff. I'm not concerned about the ABS. My guestion is, do you leave the cover off the MC and push gently? I did not come accross this in my search and the FSM does not mention this. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
I cannot answer to using speedbleeders.....as I have not used them. However, do not leave the cover off the MC as brake fluid absorbs moisure from the air. Moisture in the brake fluid turns the fluid acidic over time and this is not desirable for your brake system.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,032
Likes: 204
From: Greenwood Indiana
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
You can just set the cover on the MC. I don't think you have to secure it each time. Just keep it filled and don't let the MC run out or else you'll get air back in the lines.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
If you are doing all of that, get the speedbleeders, they work great. A vacuum pump is a good investment w/ our cars, helps when changing rear end fluid, ect. You may also want to get some stainless steel brake lines, also very worth while, and Hawk HPS pads.
When I changed out everything, I couldn't believe the difference, best thing I ever did to the car.
When I changed out everything, I couldn't believe the difference, best thing I ever did to the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 805
Likes: 11
From: Hickory Flat Ga
I suggest the Motiv Power Bleeder. It attaches to the top of the MC and pushes the fuid through with a little pressure. You pump it up like a garden sprayer. Just attach the included tube to the bleeder and let it drain until it runs clean.
Speed bleeders work well but require long stroking the pedal, farther than usual, so you could get some crud into the system. Also you have to keep pouring in fluid. The MPB so easy. I used ATE SuperBlue fluid to make the new fluid very obvious. I have flushed my system twice with it and never spill a drop. Great tool for this job.
Speed bleeders work well but require long stroking the pedal, farther than usual, so you could get some crud into the system. Also you have to keep pouring in fluid. The MPB so easy. I used ATE SuperBlue fluid to make the new fluid very obvious. I have flushed my system twice with it and never spill a drop. Great tool for this job.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
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From: Manassas VA
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 275
From: Naples FL
I flush my brake fluid about 5 or 6 times a year. I begin every track event weekend with all new brake fluid. That keeps the moisture content down to about zero. I also only use fluid from a brand new unopened bottle. OK - I'm a little obsessive but then again I've never had a brake problem at the track.
I use the Motive Power Bleeder and have never had a problem with it. I believe that it's better to push fluid through the brake system as opposed to sucking it out.
If you use your Corvette on the street you only need to flush your fluid once a year.
Bleeding your brakes is simply getting any air out of the lines. Flushing is a complete exchange of fluid. You want to get all of the moisture laden fluid out of the system and have only nice dry brake fluid in the system.
Richard Newton
How to Restore and Modify Your Corvette, 1968-1982
101 Projects for Your Corvette 1984-1996
I use the Motive Power Bleeder and have never had a problem with it. I believe that it's better to push fluid through the brake system as opposed to sucking it out.
If you use your Corvette on the street you only need to flush your fluid once a year.
Bleeding your brakes is simply getting any air out of the lines. Flushing is a complete exchange of fluid. You want to get all of the moisture laden fluid out of the system and have only nice dry brake fluid in the system.
Richard Newton
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
I suggest the Motiv Power Bleeder. It attaches to the top of the MC and pushes the fuid through with a little pressure. You pump it up like a garden sprayer. Just attach the included tube to the bleeder and let it drain until it runs clean.
Speed bleeders work well but require long stroking the pedal, farther than usual, so you could get some crud into the system. Also you have to keep pouring in fluid. The MPB so easy. I used ATE SuperBlue fluid to make the new fluid very obvious. I have flushed my system twice with it and never spill a drop. Great tool for this job.
Speed bleeders work well but require long stroking the pedal, farther than usual, so you could get some crud into the system. Also you have to keep pouring in fluid. The MPB so easy. I used ATE SuperBlue fluid to make the new fluid very obvious. I have flushed my system twice with it and never spill a drop. Great tool for this job.
I have bled brakes everyway known to man and pressure bleeding is by far the best!
Last edited by MK 82; Feb 21, 2008 at 11:06 AM.
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
make sure you have the correct cap for the Motive or else you wont get a good seal. They do make a couple of different ones so if you are having a problem getting it to seal on the m/c that could be it. Mine seals tight and you can tell....G
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,253
Likes: 2
From: Castro Valley CA
Not necessarily, I use about 6 half strokes; no need to press the pedal down very far using speedbleeders. As for adding fluid, that is the part I like as it purges all the old burnt fluid out of the calipers. I start with a full master cylinder and do not have to retop prior to bleeding out my full brake system. I find that a full 4 wheel bleed uses 6-8 oz. of fluid.
