The hydraulic pressure in one's brake system needs to be maintained on a regular basis. When one follows a flush brake fluid procedure otherwise known as brake bleeding, the air bubbles are removed from the brake system and the old liquid is replaced. There are five different methods to choose from but the fastest is to use one of the modern one person systems.
Often the flushing of the brakes is not even mentioned in the owner's manuals today. The very real danger of corrosion can occur when moisture is allowed to remain in the liquid. It will cause the rubber seals to deteriorate and the brakes to stop working. This liquid needs to be replaced every 2 years of thirty thousand miles. When the environment is exceptionally humid this procedure needs to be done every year.
The goal is optimization of the system for safer vehicle use. Whenever moisture has been able to penetrate into the liquid the system must be flushed as soon as possible. The pedal will feel firmer, there will be less likelihood of corrosion and the system's life expectancy will be lengthened.
Clean brake fluid is transparent with a tinge of amber color. When it absorbs moisture it becomes darker and cloudy in color. A tester can also be used to measure the boiling point of the liquid. When it is below 330 degrees the liquid should be replaced. The majority of vehicles use the Dot 3 brake fluid and the type will be indicated by the instructions in the manual.
One should never mix the types of brake fluid or use another kind of oil in place of it. Any liquid that is left over should be discarded since once opened it will start to absorb moisture making it unsuitable for future use.
Two people flushing the system will facilitate the procedure. Preparations should include acquiring some clean rags, a spanner to fit the bleed valve, a bottle for the used liquid, clear plastic tubing to place over the valve, and a bleeding kit with vacuum pump. The instruments needed will consist of a jack, two jack stands and a wrench. The manual will indicate in which order to do the flush.
It will be easier to do this procedure with the vehicle jacked up. The master cylinder cap should be wiped clean of dirt and unscrewed. The pedal should be pumped to maintain the vacuum avoiding the re-entry of air back into the system. When the pedal is depressed the wrench is used to open the valve slightly. The liquid level must be maintained at a minimum level while the air is released.
When there are no longer any air bubbles present, the screw should be tightened and recapped. Flush brake fluid should be repeated in the order that the manual describes until all the air bubbles are allowed to escape. The master cylinder should be refilled to the maximum level.
Often the flushing of the brakes is not even mentioned in the owner's manuals today. The very real danger of corrosion can occur when moisture is allowed to remain in the liquid. It will cause the rubber seals to deteriorate and the brakes to stop working. This liquid needs to be replaced every 2 years of thirty thousand miles. When the environment is exceptionally humid this procedure needs to be done every year.
The goal is optimization of the system for safer vehicle use. Whenever moisture has been able to penetrate into the liquid the system must be flushed as soon as possible. The pedal will feel firmer, there will be less likelihood of corrosion and the system's life expectancy will be lengthened.
Clean brake fluid is transparent with a tinge of amber color. When it absorbs moisture it becomes darker and cloudy in color. A tester can also be used to measure the boiling point of the liquid. When it is below 330 degrees the liquid should be replaced. The majority of vehicles use the Dot 3 brake fluid and the type will be indicated by the instructions in the manual.
One should never mix the types of brake fluid or use another kind of oil in place of it. Any liquid that is left over should be discarded since once opened it will start to absorb moisture making it unsuitable for future use.
Two people flushing the system will facilitate the procedure. Preparations should include acquiring some clean rags, a spanner to fit the bleed valve, a bottle for the used liquid, clear plastic tubing to place over the valve, and a bleeding kit with vacuum pump. The instruments needed will consist of a jack, two jack stands and a wrench. The manual will indicate in which order to do the flush.
It will be easier to do this procedure with the vehicle jacked up. The master cylinder cap should be wiped clean of dirt and unscrewed. The pedal should be pumped to maintain the vacuum avoiding the re-entry of air back into the system. When the pedal is depressed the wrench is used to open the valve slightly. The liquid level must be maintained at a minimum level while the air is released.
When there are no longer any air bubbles present, the screw should be tightened and recapped. Flush brake fluid should be repeated in the order that the manual describes until all the air bubbles are allowed to escape. The master cylinder should be refilled to the maximum level.
About the Author:
You can find details about the benefits of hiring a professional auto mechanic and information about the best Newark car repair shop, now.