C8 brake bleed discussion
#41
Instructor
I haven't done it on a C8, but that is the procedure I have used on every vehicle I've had. If you do it exactly as you describe, and tighten the bleed screws without letting pressure drop, there is zero chance of introducing air in the system, and there is no way to mess it up. I would not go all the way down to min line (I'm just paranoid about it), just in case the electric booster kicks in or you inadvertently leave the bleed screw open too long.
I've been doing this forever. Every time I changed brake pads I repeat the above procedure to get old fluid out of the calipers. This way I always have fresh fluid in the system.
Your procedure is still the best way, IMHO. Good luck.
P.S. I assume you have a clear tube and bottle to catch the bled fluid. Good way to detect air, impurities, etc. You can also buy a fluid moisture tester and keep track of moisture content on your fluid. (hint: you will never see any significant moisture on a newer, well maintained car)
I've been doing this forever. Every time I changed brake pads I repeat the above procedure to get old fluid out of the calipers. This way I always have fresh fluid in the system.
Your procedure is still the best way, IMHO. Good luck.
P.S. I assume you have a clear tube and bottle to catch the bled fluid. Good way to detect air, impurities, etc. You can also buy a fluid moisture tester and keep track of moisture content on your fluid. (hint: you will never see any significant moisture on a newer, well maintained car)
#42
Supporting Vendor
I have done 2 cars now with the pedal method. No issue.
On the second one with the front calipers off I had to open the door /reconnect battery etc and of course the car complained.
Got it all bled and yes it took a few minutes to cycle and clear codes but it worked fine.
I use gravity (14.7 psi) and then the master cyl. to create pressure. I tried a Motive once on a different car but it felt over complicated and exposed the fluid to so much air. I like having the nearest person with a leg describe the firm pedal.
YMMV
-Ken
On the second one with the front calipers off I had to open the door /reconnect battery etc and of course the car complained.
Got it all bled and yes it took a few minutes to cycle and clear codes but it worked fine.
I use gravity (14.7 psi) and then the master cyl. to create pressure. I tried a Motive once on a different car but it felt over complicated and exposed the fluid to so much air. I like having the nearest person with a leg describe the firm pedal.
YMMV
-Ken
#43
I'm confused here. Why do you guys need to reconnect the battery to open the door to press the pedal (for those using that method)?
Can't you just use the mechanical release on the floor or the mechanical key on the fob?
Can't you just use the mechanical release on the floor or the mechanical key on the fob?
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KNSBrakes (10-15-2020)
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CZS (10-15-2020)
#45
Been there, done that (mistakes while working on my cars) countless times. I appreciate that you have gone through it, so we can learn from you.
#46
Originally Posted by CZS
Has anyone used their Motive bleeder to pressure bleed their C8 brakes yet? I'm about to order the Motive kit, but am a total novice to using it. My plan is to remove some fluid from the master cylinder, then top off with fresh fluid and use the Motive to pressure bleed each caliper until the fluid level is down to just above the 'minimum' line. Then fill and repeat until all four corners are bled. Anyone used this method successfully yet?
I did buy another cap and quick disconnect for the motive that seal better, it's the same one I use on the C7. Also note that you need to add fluid very slowly to the reservoir to fill it in between bleed cycles.
#47
Is there a issue letting the motive bleeder fill up the reservoir? I normally bleed my ss 1le with motive bleeder by filling up the jar with Castro srf, never have any air bubble issue . Thanks for any advices
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RickGilbert (10-23-2020)
#48
Good question - Any body have an answer from actual C8 DIY?
On the weekend schedule, love to know what the experience is with just using pressure bleeder to keep reservoir filled on C8. THANKS!
#49
Can anyone recommend a cap that will hold pressure for a pressure bleeder?
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allblackeverything (09-10-2023)
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c5racr1 (09-11-2023)
#52
Melting Slicks
Changed the fluid to SRF probably about a month after getting the car in August of 2020. I pressure bleed all the calipers after 2 track days to put fresh fluid I the calipers. Been SRF since then, and check the water content of the fluid with a Brake fluid checker and it has always been fine. I see no reason to change back to a lower grade of fluid after a track day. IMO