What is involved in flushing the brake fluid? I this something that I can do myself or do I have to take it somewhere? Also, what brake fluid is preferred?

Thanks.

 

I use ATE Super Blue or Valvoline Synpower. Both have worked without any problems.

Remove the cap from the master cylinder.
Suck all of the fluid out of the master cylinder with a turkey baster, vacuum tube or some other device.
Fill with fresh fluid
Same procedure for each wheel in this order - right rear, left rear, front right, front left. It is not critical but the idea is to start farthest from the master cylinder and work your way towards it.

Open the bleed screw and put a piece of hose on it. Put the other end of the hose in a plastic cup etc.
Have an assistant push the brake pedal down, but do not bring it up.
Close the bleed screw.
Release the pedal.

The idea is to push the new fluid through the system and not let any air get sucked back in. Only open the screw when someone is pushing the pedal and make sure the screw is closed when the pedal is released.

The fluid will eventually get clear and that is when you stop.

You can also use a vacuum device - they work very well. I have also seen pressure bleeders, but they sometimes cause a big mess.

Happy bleeding.

 

I too went with the ATE Super Blue. I decided to treat myself and buy a Motel Pressure Bleeder since finding help to bleed is usually tough.

 

Harbor Freight sells a cheap priced suction gun for bleeding brakes by your self, suck out master cylinder and clean it, refill with new fluid, put the hose of the suction gun on the caliper and pump away until you see clean new fluid at each wheel, don't let the master cylinder go dry, once the car is up on stands with the wheel off it shouldn't take you more than a 1/2 hour to do the job. Piece of cake and you won't belive how much better your brakes feel.

 

can someone explain why there is a specific bleeding order? If I look at the brake lines, they are individual lines that travel to each wheel once they separate up by the master cylinder. If the lines don't reconnect somewhere else, why does it matter?