Changing the Brake Fluid

new 4/27/2004. UD 03/06/2005

Ok so I checked that site Breen showed me but it doesn't really tell you how to CHANGE the fluid, just how to BLEED them. does anyone know an easy way to change the brake fluid? Thanks

Jeff

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Let me tell you about bleeding brakes......

I had the speed bleeders but have found them to be no better than the method I use. In fact I have replaced the speed bleeders with normal bleeder screws.

All you need is 3-4' of clear tubing that will fit over the bleeder valve (5/16 ID I think) and a tin can. First get all the old fluid out of the Master Cylinder and refill with new (Valvoline synthetic is cheap and plentiful).

Put the tubing on either of the rear brakes, open the screw one or two flats and start the engine. Put the end of the hose in a can so that the end of the hose will be covered in the old fluid as you pump it out. 15 pumps for the rear, then tighten the screw, fill the MC and go to the front wheel on the opposite side of the one you just did in the rear. Do the same to the front. Then refill the MC and go to the other rear. Then the other front.

Always keep fluid in the MC. You do not have to tighten the screw in between pumps. Pump slowly and release the pedal slowly. You will use the better part of the quart so buy two.

Paul Nimz
'97 TR

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Paul,

Excellent dissertation and description of the procedure, but there's one omission. There is still a bunch of old fluid sitting in the HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit) of the ABS System. I recommend following this very procedure. then taking the car out to a gravel road and inducing an ABS event (running the car up to 30-40mph and hammering the brakes). Gravel is loose and will allow the wheels to lock up sooner and with less wear and tear on the tires, suspension, steering, etc., and gets the ABS to kick in sooner. When you do this, the ABS system will cycle all the valves and run the pump motor and circulate all the fluid in the system.

Now, this does mix the old with the new, but if you're on any kind of maintenance schedule, this really isn't that much of a problem. If you're trying to get on one and this is the first time to do this, then just plan on flushing the system again in a month or two.

Simple and relatively inexpensive.

For those out there that don't ever use the ABS, it's a really good idea to find this secluded gravel road and do this every so often. It keeps the system clean and ready to go for your next panic stop when some jackass in a Honda pulls out in front of you.

Doug Lewis
Ford Performance Specialists Inc.

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Thanks to Paul and Doug for making it simple to flush the brake system. I found it interesting that Paul didn't mention the Turkey Baster to evacuate the old fluid from the reservoir - Grillin turkey again Paul??

U.L.
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03/05/2005

I have three questions that are probably really simple.

1) Where does one find the bleeder valve?

2) What does it mean to "open the screw one or two flats"?

3) How does one, "first get all the old fluid out of the MC"?

I wonder if the turkey baster method works for #3?

Thanks!

Dave Hoots
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1. On each caliper.
2. Huh?
3. Turkey baster is great!
Paul Fisher
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1. If this is the first time you will bleed your brakes,

The thread part is of course screwed in your caliper and you will only see the tip you will find it with a small rubber cap on it on each caliper that would look like this.
2. When you turn the bleeder valve the sides are flat like a nut or bolt. You basically need to turn it slightly to bleed it.

Rene

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