flushing brakelines?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 38
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flushing brakelines?
Hi all,
I got a 89 that I'm restoring, I'm doing brakes rite now... Question is, is it worth or should I take the time to flush all brake fluid from lines and parts? Do you feel this is something that should be done or not...also, any tricks for this? Thanks all...good day!!!
I got a 89 that I'm restoring, I'm doing brakes rite now... Question is, is it worth or should I take the time to flush all brake fluid from lines and parts? Do you feel this is something that should be done or not...also, any tricks for this? Thanks all...good day!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,365
Likes: 2,731
Hi all,
I got a 89 that I'm restoring, I'm doing brakes rite now... Question is, is it worth or should I take the time to flush all brake fluid from lines and parts? Do you feel this is something that should be done or not...also, any tricks for this? Thanks all...good day!!!
I got a 89 that I'm restoring, I'm doing brakes rite now... Question is, is it worth or should I take the time to flush all brake fluid from lines and parts? Do you feel this is something that should be done or not...also, any tricks for this? Thanks all...good day!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,351
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From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Yes, do it. "Flushing" is really just bleeding the brakes until all the fluid runs clear. Should be done every couple of years.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
X2.One person deal...easy.
If you want to expedite a one person flush;
*open all the bleeders. set up proper catch buckets, and then pump the brake pedal...while closely monitoring fluid level in the reservoir. Obviously, don't let the reservoir run dry. Anyway, pumping the pedal pushing the new/clean fluid through the system very fast.
*After maybe 4 pumps, go see which calipers are draining clear fluid, and close them.
*Pump the pedal a couple more times, check again. If there are any calipers that are NOT dripping clean fluid, close the rest and pump again.
*after you have forced clear fluid through them all, go back and open them all to let the air out that gets drawn into the caliper when releasing the pedal. Tapping on the caliper body with a hammer helps bubbles break free of surface tension and float to the top and out the bleeder.
*Start with the caliper that is flowing the most and work toward the one that is flowing the least. When no more bubbles are coming out, you're done.
Process usually takes about 10 minutes and requires no special tools or extra helpers.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Have you replaced the brake hoses? You mention "restore"! There's many reasons to both replace the brake hoses due to age and the flush of the entire system is also I'd think a should do. Avoid all of the higher tech fluids and use proper spec'd fluid for the times. Restore is a "stretch" sometimes in what is actually being done to any vehicle.
Definitely flush the old fluid out and use a good quality DOT3 brake fluid and replace the flex hoses at the wheels. You can find fluids like Valvoline SynPower and Castrol LMA at parts stores and another good choice is the Ford Motorsports HD fluid. It will take about 3 pints to do a complete flush and refill of the system.The ABS system has its own bleed valve to flush the fluid in that, but it can be a messy job. It's in the compartment behind the driver's seat. Do you have a FSM for your car? You will find good detailed explanations for flushing the ABS in there.
