Brake Fluid Change "how to" needed.

[Gixxer1000]

Hi guys,

I'd like to know how to change brake fluid. I've searched this forum and couldn't find a "how to" on the subject of changing brake fluid. Can anyone help me out?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bcburlette]

Just open the rear passenger side bleeder, pump the brakes a few times(until the reservoir is almost empty, top off the reservoir ,repeat until you get fresh fluid coming out of the bleeder, then repeat with the other 3 brakes.

 

[robertoa1a]

It's a good idea to blead your brakes every so often. But a real standard procedure.

On the brake caliper there is a nut with a nipple shaped thing on the end and that is where the old fluid comes out.

The process is called bleeding the brakes because there is more to it than you may think.

It involves two people unless you have a pump. I'm not sure I can teach this class!

The idea is to have one person apply pressure to the brakes while the other (you) loosens the nut allowing the old fluid to come out. While the brake pedal is in the down position tighten the nut before air gets in and repeat. Make sure to keep refilling the resivore before air gets into that either.

The best way is to have your spouse pump the brake pedal about five times then open the valve. I'm sorry I cant go on. Ask the parts store.

 

[my pos mounty]

Or for anywhere between $30 (for the bottom of the barrel model) or $150 (for the top-of-the-line) you can buy a vac pump that will turn your brake bleeding into a one man job. A vac pump. I have the "mity-vac", cost about 70 I think.
Crack the bleeder screw just enough to get it loose, but not enough to open the valve. Attach the clear tubing that comes with the vac pump, attach the tubing to the small plastic jar, another hose from the jar to the hand pump, pump it up, and open bleeder screw. The suction created by the vac pump will suck out the old fluid (or air in the caliper/brakeline). You can close the bleeder to check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder, then go back to bleeding out the brake lines. When fluid runs clear in the rear passenger side, go to rear drivers side. Repeat procedure. Then move to front passenger side, repeat procedure. Then move to front drivers side, repeat procedure. Then clean up, your done.

 

[Gixxer1000]

How much brake fluid should I buy?

Thanks for the replies. Given that there will be new and old brake fluid mixing how much brake fluid will I need to buy?

 

[my pos mounty]

Last time I did brakes I bought the 32oz. bottle. I didn't use it all but had very little left over. Do not stick whatever you have left of the brake fluid on a shelf in your garage. Over time it pulls moisture into it from the air. Its always a good idea to add fluid from a new, closed container of fluid.

 

[96eb96]

If its just a replacement of brake fluid you can gravity bleed. Even the shop manual advises this. The hand pump is a good idea but if you want to do it with no tools this is an alternative.


Suck out all the fluid in the master cyl before starting and replace with clean DOT-3 fluid from a new container.

Attach a clear tube to the bleeder, Open a bleeder and let it drain into a clean empty container. give it about 5-10 min each wheel, let the fluid drain, and refill the master as it empties. No need to pump the brake (I don't advise doing this on an old master cyl unless you plan on replacing it). Its low tech but does the job. Do not let the master run dry, keep an eye on it or have someone babysit it.

The bleeders may be hard to get off, use a 6 point socket with some PB blaster. Do not push too hard, they can break off and you need a new caliper.

 

[BK_89iX]

Is there any reason not to use a fluid that meets both DOT3 and DOT4 specifications?

I bought a 32oz container of Castrol LMA DOT4 fluid that I planned to use on the explorer. I use the same fluid in my other (non-ford) vehicles with good results. Nice high boiling point both wet and dry and easy to find. Claims to meet both DOT3 and DOT4 specs.

Also, I bought a spare MC cap, sealed the grooves with RTV, and installed an air quick-connect in the top. I will pressure bleed with 8-10psi, refilling the MC as needed.

BK

 

[96eb96]

Is there any reason not to use a fluid that meets both DOT3 and DOT4 specifications?

I bought a 32oz container of Castrol LMA DOT4 fluid that I planned to use on the explorer. I use the same fluid in my other (non-ford) vehicles with good results. Nice high boiling point both wet and dry and easy to find. Claims to meet both DOT3 and DOT4 specs.

Also, I bought a spare MC cap, sealed the grooves with RTV, and installed an air quick-connect in the top. I will pressure bleed with 8-10psi, refilling the MC as needed.

BK

Those fluids are wonderful, more resistance against boiling if you ever have a panic stop on a downgrade. If it says DOT 3/4 its perfectly fine to use. The OEM ford brake fluid actually has a very high wet boiling point that exceeds DOT 3.

 

[BK_89iX]

Those fluids are wonderful, more resistance against boiling if you ever have a panic stop on a downgrade. If it says DOT 3/4 its perfectly fine to use. The OEM ford brake fluid actually has a very high wet boiling point that exceeds DOT 3.

Thanks for the confirmation!

BK