How to change brake fluid?
- Thread starter JamesLond
- Start date
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the_tool_man
Full Access Member
When I've done it, I started by sucking out as much of the fluid from the reservoir as possible, using a turkey baster. Then I refill the reservoir with fresh fluid and bleed the brakes. Be sure to keep the reservoir topped off as you go, so you don't suck air into the lines. This gets everything except the ABS pump.
If you have access to a Tech2 scanner, there's a process for bleeding that, too. But I've never done it. I guess you could go on a drive and intentionally panic-stop to activate the pump. This would mix the fluid and hopefully get most of the crud out of the pump. But to get it all, you'd have to re-bleed the whole system a second time.
If you have access to a Tech2 scanner, there's a process for bleeding that, too. But I've never done it. I guess you could go on a drive and intentionally panic-stop to activate the pump. This would mix the fluid and hopefully get most of the crud out of the pump. But to get it all, you'd have to re-bleed the whole system a second time.
iamdub
Full Access Member
I've always just done it by performing a standard bleeding process (clear hose in bottle), but staying at the right rear caliper (farthest away) until the fluid coming out is all new fluid. I'll go a couple more cycles after that to ensure. I don't have a Tech2 or any bi-directional scan tools to hold the solenoids open. When I bleed the brakes, I do a few standard pedal pumps then I'll turn the key to the "on" position just as I'm beginning another pump. The ABS solenoids are activated during a self-check when powered up. I'll do this a few times during the pumping of each corner. Also, don't push the pedal to the floor. Try to keep it within its normal range of travel. Maybe lay a 2x4 or something on the floor behind the pedal to give yourself a stop.
Here is another option @Rocket Man keeps barking about and is on my wish list as well, just haven't had the financing available yet:
Tonyv__
Full Access Member
Just used this last night on my van… I initially bought it for my wife’s MB. Apparently her 2 year service requires a brake flush so i bought it for that. Then I bought the GM attachment for my van and it worked well…. Definitely makes it a 1 man job.
However I didn’t use a tech 2 to open the ABS solenoids that I keep reading about. I just use the pump to force the old fluid through the lines
Gives me a woodie just looking at it.
iamdub
Full Access Member
Those do make it super easy. My problem is I'd never get my money's worth out of it cuz I'd lose it or forget I had it by the second time I bled any brakes.
rockola1971
Full Access Member
The tech 2 Clone will power bleed your barkes for you. All you have to do is keep a hose on the bleeder and the opposite end submersed in fluid. Stand at the master cylinder with the tech 2 to control it and keep the master cylinder from going empty.
the_tool_man
Full Access Member
I just got one of those. I'm actually looking forward to bleeding my brakes now.
iamdub
Full Access Member
The tech 2 Clone will power bleed your barkes for you. All you have to do is keep a hose on the bleeder and the opposite end submersed in fluid. Stand at the master cylinder with the tech 2 to control it and keep the master cylinder from going empty.
Never heard of this. After thinking, I suppose it could be possible on models with StabiliTrak. Is that what you were referring to?
