Changing Brake Fluid
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,065
Likes: 1,551
From: Poway CA
2025 C1 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (stock)
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Depends on the year!
You want to start with the FURTHEST point and work to the CLOSEST point, in order.
The brake system was re-designed (in 2000 or 2001 I think), and it changed the proximity of the bleeder valves.
Sorry I don't have the order handy and no time to search for it now - I'm sure someone will chime in. For my 98 it was RR, LR, RF, LF.. I think it's different in newer C5's.
Good luck!
You want to start with the FURTHEST point and work to the CLOSEST point, in order.
The brake system was re-designed (in 2000 or 2001 I think), and it changed the proximity of the bleeder valves.
Sorry I don't have the order handy and no time to search for it now - I'm sure someone will chime in. For my 98 it was RR, LR, RF, LF.. I think it's different in newer C5's.
Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 71,447
Likes: 6
From: Miami bound
CI 4-5-6-7 Veteran
For newer models, the bleeding order is RR, LF, LR, RF.
To change the fluid:
Pull as much of the old brake fluid out of the reservoir as possible with a turkey baster. Refill with new. Then start bleeding the first caliper (RR) until you start seeing clear/clean fluid. This will take forever the old fashioned pump the brake pedal way. Get a vacuum bleeder from an auto parts store to save your wife/gf a lot of brake pedal pumping. Continue to work your way to all the calipers in order, pumping fluid through them until it turns clean.
To change the fluid:
Pull as much of the old brake fluid out of the reservoir as possible with a turkey baster. Refill with new. Then start bleeding the first caliper (RR) until you start seeing clear/clean fluid. This will take forever the old fashioned pump the brake pedal way. Get a vacuum bleeder from an auto parts store to save your wife/gf a lot of brake pedal pumping. Continue to work your way to all the calipers in order, pumping fluid through them until it turns clean.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
a Motive Power Bleeder attached to the master cylinder with 10-12 psi works better then a vacuum pump. Vacuum pump bleeding can lead to air in the lines as the brake fluid could seperate under the vacuum.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 71,447
Likes: 6
From: Miami bound
CI 4-5-6-7 Veteran
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
a Motive Power Bleeder attached to the master cylinder with 10-12 psi works better then a vacuum pump. Vacuum pump bleeding can lead to air in the lines as the brake fluid could seperate under the vacuum.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: TN
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
a Motive Power Bleeder attached to the master cylinder with 10-12 psi works better then a vacuum pump. Vacuum pump bleeding can lead to air in the lines as the brake fluid could seperate under the vacuum.
Working with brakes for 12 years and an ASE certification, I've never heard of brake fluid "separating" under vacuum, but air will enter the system after the vacuum is shut off or taken off. Simply let leave the bleeder open for about 30 seconds, and let the air naturally gravity bleed its way out. If you don't have a vacuum pump and a second person but have alot of time, you can gravity bleed each wheel yourself without introducing air (make sure the master cylinder does not go empty!)
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
Originally Posted by 03Ragtop
For newer models, the bleeding order is RR, LF, LR, RF.
To change the fluid:
Pull as much of the old brake fluid out of the reservoir as possible with a turkey baster. Refill with new. Then start bleeding the first caliper (RR) until you start seeing clear/clean fluid. This will take forever the old fashioned pump the brake pedal way. Get a vacuum bleeder from an auto parts store to save your wife/gf a lot of brake pedal pumping. Continue to work your way to all the calipers in order, pumping fluid through them until it turns clean.
To change the fluid:
Pull as much of the old brake fluid out of the reservoir as possible with a turkey baster. Refill with new. Then start bleeding the first caliper (RR) until you start seeing clear/clean fluid. This will take forever the old fashioned pump the brake pedal way. Get a vacuum bleeder from an auto parts store to save your wife/gf a lot of brake pedal pumping. Continue to work your way to all the calipers in order, pumping fluid through them until it turns clean.
__________________
C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski