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Brake Fluid Flush

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by dysfunctnlretard, Nov 11, 2009.

  1. Nov 11, 2009 at 12:41 AM
    #1
    dysfunctnlretard

    dysfunctnlretard [OP] Hi

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    Would getting dirt in the reservoir require me to flush the system?

    If so, would flushing it require bleeding the brakes?

    And lastly, whats the easiest way to do it? (I know power steering is tough and people recommend using a baster and sucking the fluid out and refilling it, is brake fluid flush similar? Easier?)
     
  2. Nov 11, 2009 at 11:06 AM
    #2
    Crom

    Crom Super-Deluxe Member

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    I'm curious. Do you think that there is dirt or debris in the brake system? Something has to be really wrong for that to happen.
     
  3. Nov 11, 2009 at 11:11 AM
    #3
    BakoTruck

    BakoTruck Well-Known Member

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    I heard that when it looks dirty and far away from the color it looked when new, then it should be changed. I would also like to hear what an expert has to say about this.
     
  4. Nov 11, 2009 at 11:17 AM
    #4
    NAAC3TACO

    NAAC3TACO Middle aged member

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    Brake fluid attracts moisture. Some car companies like Honda suggest flushing the brake system every 3 years to remove the moisture. I don't know if it's needed, but it can't hurt. I'm sure that moisture is not good for the expensive abs motor. If you have dirt or debri in your system, you may have a more serious problem somewhere.
     
  5. Nov 11, 2009 at 11:21 AM
    #5
    EL TACOROJO

    EL TACOROJO SNAPPIN NECKS AND CASHIN CHECKS.

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    i took my truck in for the rear brake problem i was having.i replaced the wheel cylinders and couldnt get the pedal from being to spongy after bleedind it for half an hour. wound up taking it to the dealer they turned the drums replaced the shoes turned the rotors and flushed the system .
     
  6. Nov 11, 2009 at 12:03 PM
    #6
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    I'd just bleed everything. That'll get ALL the bad stuff out.
     
  7. Nov 11, 2009 at 12:45 PM
    #7
    dysfunctnlretard

    dysfunctnlretard [OP] Hi

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    Well I went offroading this weekend through some bumpy terrain. My brake fluid reservoir is in a corner, right next to my PA speaker which isn't strapped down. As I hit bumps and rough terrain I guess my pa speaker jumped up an knocked the cap off my resevoir. I was driving around with no cap for about 24 hours but there was lots of dust and I know it got in there. Little, if any fluid was lost. What do u guys think? Flush?
     
  8. Nov 11, 2009 at 12:53 PM
    #8
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

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    Bleed the brakes using a push method rather than sucking stuff through the lines. Requires 2 people but it's the most effective way. Get someone in the driver's seat and get yourself under the truck. Start at the rear passenger side wheel, then rear driver's side, then front passenger side, then front driver's side. Always bleed going from the wheel farthest from the master cylinder to the closest.

    Person in the seat starts to press down on the pedal. Should take a count of 5 to hit the floor. When they start pressing, open the valve so brake fluid flows out. (Make sure you capture it, of course!) Just before they hit the floor with the pedal, close the valve so no air can get sucked back in. Once closed, they let the pedal come up and repeat.

    Make sure you regularly check the reservoir to make sure it doesn't run dry. Good luck!
     
  9. Nov 11, 2009 at 1:01 PM
    #9
    afd23a

    afd23a Well-Known Member

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    You can also get a power bleeder from motive products if you want to flush all of the fluid out, but the 2 person method above costs less.
     
  10. Nov 11, 2009 at 1:11 PM
    #10
    Brunes

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    ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY EMPTY THE SYSTEM. Any debris in the fluid can block the lines and banjo bolts in the system- and that is VERY bad.

    You can also get water intrusion with the cap open like that and that will create spongy brake feel.

    Good luck!!
     
  11. Nov 14, 2009 at 1:52 AM
    #11
    george3

    george3 Well-Known Member

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    These are excellent instructions, but what do you have against sucking the stuff out or is that too personal a question ? :rolleyes:

     
  12. Nov 14, 2009 at 2:18 AM
    #12
    FuTang909Inamo

    FuTang909Inamo Well-Known Member

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    Brake fluid is hygroscopic. Basically it means it absorbs or attracts moisture from the air. When brake fluid is exposed to air for that long, 24 hrs. as the OP said, it is already compromised or contaminated with moisture; And having moisture in the brake system is not good, which in this case warrants a complete flush or bleeding of the system. So "sucking it out" is not good enough.
     
  13. Nov 14, 2009 at 5:02 AM
    #13
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    My husband and I do this together. Because I can't see him open/close the bleeder....he will say, "Down" and I'll press down on the pedal and say "DOWN" (so he knows the pedal is down). He'll open the bleeder (I'll continue to hold it down). Then - after he closes the bleeder, he'll say, "UP" and I'll let off the brake and I'll say "UP"
     
  14. Nov 14, 2009 at 5:32 AM
    #14
    george3

    george3 Well-Known Member

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    Thank you. I will try and refrain from sucking it out in the future. :D

     
  15. Nov 15, 2009 at 1:22 PM
    #15
    xsvtoyz

    xsvtoyz Well-Known Member

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    exactly as it is done ! I am usually the one hollering and turning the bleeder you can also use a small jar and a piece of air tube that fits the bleeder tip, put a small amount of fluid in the jar so it covers the other end of the bleeder add on tube so it does not suck air back in in case you miss the up down commands or someone (partner) misses her cue. ;)
     
  16. Nov 15, 2009 at 2:25 PM
    #16
    george3

    george3 Well-Known Member

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    Do you guys, the Janster included naturally, flush at say 30,000 or wait til the fluid changes color? My 2000 had 132000 on it and still looked clear. :confused:Thanks
     
  17. Nov 15, 2009 at 2:35 PM
    #17
    tinker_troy

    tinker_troy Well-Known Member

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    has anyone already flushed the system on their second gen? and if so is there a specific sequence you have to do it in to not upset the ABS? I know my 96 chevy blazer was that way.
     
  18. May 23, 2013 at 1:22 PM
    #18
    bowzerdoo77

    bowzerdoo77 U.S.M.C.

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    how much brake fluid will I need if I want to cycle all new fluid through the system?
     

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