Brake Fluid Replacement - Nice.
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Brake Fluid Replacement - Nice.
Hello
I recently flushed through the brake fluid on my 1999 Expy. The original in the master cylinder reservoir didn't look too dark, to be fair.
The stuff that was bled through however, was very dark - almost treacle-like.
Since I've done this, the difference in braking is noticable. Considerably less effort is required to stop the vehicle and there was no air apparently in the sytem, during bleeding.
I'd recommend anyone who's unsure of the age of the DOT3 in their system, to replace it with new. It took a mere 15 mins with a trusty assistant, at the brake pedal.
Not only will you get rid of any moisture in the system, you'll notice the difference too.
Gav.
Expy 1999 5.4 XLT
I recently flushed through the brake fluid on my 1999 Expy. The original in the master cylinder reservoir didn't look too dark, to be fair.
The stuff that was bled through however, was very dark - almost treacle-like.
Since I've done this, the difference in braking is noticable. Considerably less effort is required to stop the vehicle and there was no air apparently in the sytem, during bleeding.
I'd recommend anyone who's unsure of the age of the DOT3 in their system, to replace it with new. It took a mere 15 mins with a trusty assistant, at the brake pedal.
Not only will you get rid of any moisture in the system, you'll notice the difference too.
Gav.
Expy 1999 5.4 XLT
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..sucked out the reservoir contents and filled with nice fresh fluid.
Got the 'trouble and strife' to pump the pedal and hold it down, whilst opening the furthest bleed screw from the master cylinder - passenger side, rear. I directed the flow of old fluid using a small piece of hose, into a clear bottle.
If your work area is well lit, you will see the difference in fluid colour as you progress.
Once the pedal was all the way to the floor, I'd tighten the screw and repeat the process another 5 times, whilst ensuring the reservoir was topped up with fluid.
...then the remaining 3 corners.
Gav.
Got the 'trouble and strife' to pump the pedal and hold it down, whilst opening the furthest bleed screw from the master cylinder - passenger side, rear. I directed the flow of old fluid using a small piece of hose, into a clear bottle.
If your work area is well lit, you will see the difference in fluid colour as you progress.
Once the pedal was all the way to the floor, I'd tighten the screw and repeat the process another 5 times, whilst ensuring the reservoir was topped up with fluid.
...then the remaining 3 corners.
Gav.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Is there a pressure bleeder available to do this with only one person? I'm worried with the age of my system (97) that the brake cylinder may be rusty in the part of the bore beyond the normal working area (i.e., when you press the pedal to the floor.)
Also, does anyone have experience with the synthetic brake fluids that don't absorb moisture?
Also, does anyone have experience with the synthetic brake fluids that don't absorb moisture?
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Freshman User
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I've previously tried the one-man bleeders, that incorporate the reservoir cap and are pressurized from a spare tire.
Even at a low PSI, I could never stop the the reservoir cap leaking brake fluid as the pressure built. In theory, one should just be able to connect the tire and quickly open the bleed screws single-handedly.
I ended up making a mess and having to wash the spilt brake fluid from the engine bay.
This was the case on 2 vehicles. I even modified a spare OEM reservoir cap, but still I couldn't get it to seal.
Gav.
Even at a low PSI, I could never stop the the reservoir cap leaking brake fluid as the pressure built. In theory, one should just be able to connect the tire and quickly open the bleed screws single-handedly.
I ended up making a mess and having to wash the spilt brake fluid from the engine bay.
This was the case on 2 vehicles. I even modified a spare OEM reservoir cap, but still I couldn't get it to seal.
Gav.
