Procedure for flushing brake fluid?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Procedure for flushing brake fluid?
Like the title says, what is the procedure for completely flushing brake fluid? All of the ABS components make me pretty nervous. I've done this job many times on conventional non-ABS brakes, but never on a late model vette. Mine is an '03 Z. Any links or advice is greatly appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Motive power bleeder
Suck out the old brake fluid from the MC. Replace with new brake fluid in MC, Not power bleed tank.
Put on the Power bleeder cap and pump up to 18-22 psi, and bleed each caliper.
Start in the rear, Do the rear two, then check the MC for fluid. Replace as needed. Pump the brake peddle a few times too assure it is solid.
Do the front two calipers.
Dont let brake fluid splash it will eat paint
Good Luck
Suck out the old brake fluid from the MC. Replace with new brake fluid in MC, Not power bleed tank.
Put on the Power bleeder cap and pump up to 18-22 psi, and bleed each caliper.
Start in the rear, Do the rear two, then check the MC for fluid. Replace as needed. Pump the brake peddle a few times too assure it is solid.
Do the front two calipers.
Dont let brake fluid splash it will eat paint
Good Luck
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
It isn't any different than a standard brake system as long as you don't let the system go dry while flushing. If you do that you can trap air in the ABS pump and the only way to get it out is to have somebody use a Tech 2 to operate the pump so it cycles while it is being bled. That usually means a trip to the dealer since Tech 2s cost $4K+.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
It isn't any different than a standard brake system as long as you don't let the system go dry while flushing. If you do that you can trap air in the ABS pump and the only way to get it out is to have somebody use a Tech 2 to operate the pump so it cycles while it is being bled. That usually means a trip to the dealer since Tech 2s cost $4K+.
Bill
Bill
There is one other way. But I dont recommend it.
Done it several times to ppl who have let their MC run dry.
Do the normal bleed, put the wheels back on and go for a very very slow drive down the road or street and back maybe 5 mph, no more. Pump the brakes a few times, you will have to as you wont have much of a brake. and the peddle will go to the floor.
Then bring or roll the car slowly back into the garage and put back on jack stands, and do a full system flush again. again MAKE sure the MC does not run dry
After this next full bleed the brakes should be good as new with a nice firm brake peddle.
As I mentioned I have done this 3 - 4 times and it worked just fine. Even at the track so the cars did stop very well from 130 mph.
Now that was just me, as you know I am a bit
and like to go bed brakes in just to do those very hard stops from 80 or 100 mph down to 5 mph. ( wonder why my wife wont go with me when I bed brakes in ?)
Tech II would be the safest way too assure the lines are fee of air
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
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