Bleeding C5 Brakes
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Keller TX
Bleeding C5 Brakes
Checked the master cylinder this weekend and the fluid is dark and burned smelling. I figure its time to flush the system. So I have a list of questions for those of you experienced.
1. Anything special considerations for bleeding the brakes? I figure I'll enlist the help of my son to pump the pedal. I'll just keep checking the master cylinder to ensure it doesn't run dry, and continue to pump until the fluid runs clear. I have a vacuum bleeder, but figure the volume of fluid I'll be replacing will go quicker by pumping the pedal.
2. Bleed order RR, LR, RF, LF?
3. Do you recommend going with a fluid with a higher boiling point (ie. Motul, etc.)? If so, which one?
4. How much will I need to flush the system? 1-2 quarts?
5. Any problems if I draw the old fluid out of the master cylinder first, and fill it with fresh before I begin flushing it through the lines? Seems like that'd speed the process up a bit.
Once I get caught up on this, I'll probably start re-bleeding the brakes after a round or two of "organized spirited driving". At that point I would image only the fluid in the calipers will need to be replaced. Any different thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Steve
1. Anything special considerations for bleeding the brakes? I figure I'll enlist the help of my son to pump the pedal. I'll just keep checking the master cylinder to ensure it doesn't run dry, and continue to pump until the fluid runs clear. I have a vacuum bleeder, but figure the volume of fluid I'll be replacing will go quicker by pumping the pedal.
2. Bleed order RR, LR, RF, LF?
3. Do you recommend going with a fluid with a higher boiling point (ie. Motul, etc.)? If so, which one?
4. How much will I need to flush the system? 1-2 quarts?
5. Any problems if I draw the old fluid out of the master cylinder first, and fill it with fresh before I begin flushing it through the lines? Seems like that'd speed the process up a bit.
Once I get caught up on this, I'll probably start re-bleeding the brakes after a round or two of "organized spirited driving". At that point I would image only the fluid in the calipers will need to be replaced. Any different thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,899
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From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Bleeding C5 Brakes (sknight)
The ordering sequence changes in '01, I think. Other than that, I did exactly the same procedure you listed. I only had one scary moment; after I finished I got the "Service Active Handling" and "Service ABS" messages on my first drive. They never came back after that first driving cycle. Don't know why they came on in the first place.
Also, if your Vette is a manual, check the clutch fluid reservoir. You think the brake fluid was ugly, wait'll you see that!
All I did to flush out the clutch system was suck the reservoir dry, clean it out with a rag, and fill with clean. Do that once a week for a month and the fluid cleans up nicely.
Oh, and for fluids? I use Vavoline's DOT 3-4 synthetic. You can get it anywhere, it's reasonably inexpensive, and works decently for daily driving. I'd get two quarts, especially if you're going to be doing the clutch as well.
Hope this helps,
Mike
Also, if your Vette is a manual, check the clutch fluid reservoir. You think the brake fluid was ugly, wait'll you see that!
All I did to flush out the clutch system was suck the reservoir dry, clean it out with a rag, and fill with clean. Do that once a week for a month and the fluid cleans up nicely.
Oh, and for fluids? I use Vavoline's DOT 3-4 synthetic. You can get it anywhere, it's reasonably inexpensive, and works decently for daily driving. I'd get two quarts, especially if you're going to be doing the clutch as well.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 76
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From: Keller TX
Re: Bleeding C5 Brakes (VetteDrmr)
I failed to mention that mine's a 2001. Is the bleed order different?
Great suggestion on the clutch. I look at it too and it was equally bad. Wasn't sure how to approach that though.
Steve
Great suggestion on the clutch. I look at it too and it was equally bad. Wasn't sure how to approach that though.
Steve
