Two Bleeding Questions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 93
From: Marietta, GA
Two Bleeding Questions
I bled my entire system for the first time (including the ABS unit) before a track event early this month. I need to do it again in a couple weeks before I do another track event. I use a Motive Products power bleeder and it goes pretty fast (once I learned how to use … and not use the power bleeder).
I have a 1994 coupe with a six speed and standard brakes.
Two questions:
1) Do I need to do the ABS unit every time? I’m not sure if the brake fluid that goes to that unit gets circulated throughout the whole system?
2) How much brake fluid is required for a complete flush? Before the old fluid was sooo totally dirty it was easy to see when the new stuff was flowing out. But now it won’t be that easy. Is there a rule of thumb about how much should be bled from each of the four corners? And from the ABS, if it needs to be done each time?
Thanks. I always appreciate your help and suggestions.
I have a 1994 coupe with a six speed and standard brakes.
Two questions:
1) Do I need to do the ABS unit every time? I’m not sure if the brake fluid that goes to that unit gets circulated throughout the whole system?
2) How much brake fluid is required for a complete flush? Before the old fluid was sooo totally dirty it was easy to see when the new stuff was flowing out. But now it won’t be that easy. Is there a rule of thumb about how much should be bled from each of the four corners? And from the ABS, if it needs to be done each time?
Thanks. I always appreciate your help and suggestions.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,942
Likes: 705
From: WI
I bleed mine often and have never done the ABS unit. My car has the dual cups for brake fluid and takes 3/4 of the cup to get fresh fluid to the bleeder. I rarely ever do a full flush since I spot bleed here and there changing pads after events.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 93
From: Marietta, GA
The club requires that brake fluid is purged no longer than 3 months prior to any event. It has been recommended to me, from several that do a lot of track days, that a wise move is to bleed the system before each event just to be on the safe side. The idea is that there is less risk of boiling the fluid when hitting the track with fresh brake fluid. Water in the system not only boils faster but I believe that it creates a spongy feel and makes hard braking less effective.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,942
Likes: 705
From: WI
Three months is way to short IMO. Since the wet boiling point is measured at around a year or 3.5% moisture. What do they say about SRF which has the same super high wet and dry boiling point? I use a wet boiling point at or over 400° and do not touch the ABS. If you'd like, bleed out just one or two pedal pumps and see if the fluid got discolored after your event. Sometimes just bleeing a small amount is needed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 2
I have read that you only have to bleed the prime pipe ( ABS ) when changing the master cylinder or loosening a pipe there.
When I bleed the sistem I usually like to use ATE Super blue racing, one advantage is that you can see when you have completely flushed the system, and can change between two colors + ATE brake fluid has a high boiling point.
I also use speed bleeders that are great!
When I bleed the sistem I usually like to use ATE Super blue racing, one advantage is that you can see when you have completely flushed the system, and can change between two colors + ATE brake fluid has a high boiling point.
I also use speed bleeders that are great!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
There should be no need to "bleed" the ABS pump unless it is being replaced or serviced for some reason. Each time the engine is started and the car move forward thru 3-4 MPH, the ABS pump will do a self-test and a small amount of fluid will pass thru the ABS pump.
As long as you do a flush/refill of the service brake system once a year, you should be OK. When I run a track day, I will bleed the calipers by letting about 2-3 ounces thru the bleeders. If I feel any indication of boiling of the fluid, I'll do another bleed between sessions and then I will do another after the event is over. Of course, the number of track days you do per year may make a difference.
I will do a flush at the start of each season and that should be more than enough. I also use both ATE fluids (Super Blue and TYP200) and Speed Bleeders.
As long as you do a flush/refill of the service brake system once a year, you should be OK. When I run a track day, I will bleed the calipers by letting about 2-3 ounces thru the bleeders. If I feel any indication of boiling of the fluid, I'll do another bleed between sessions and then I will do another after the event is over. Of course, the number of track days you do per year may make a difference.
I will do a flush at the start of each season and that should be more than enough. I also use both ATE fluids (Super Blue and TYP200) and Speed Bleeders.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski