Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I have not seen it. I think my brake fluid needs exchanging and I'm wondering if I replace the fluid in the master cyl. a couple times will the new fluid replace the old in the lines and in the brakes? And if the fluid does flow through the system why is there no filter since the fluid does get dirty/contaminated? Thanks.


Everybody get together,try to love one another right now. ...Milton Berle

 

Nope, not to my knowlage... and heavy stuff allways goes down (into the calipers/wheel cylinders)

Best bet? make sure all of your bleeders open... If you live in the rust belt, and they dont, use a propane torch to warm them up. I've never been able to get them red hot with a propane torch, but if ur using mapp, just be carefull not to melt them... Also, cover the caliper with a sopping wet rag, to prevent seal pwnage via heat.

After making sure they all open, suck all the fluid out of the master cylinder. Take a rag and wipe down the inside, if there's that black build up. Then refill it with clean fluid (buy the quart bottles)... Attach a clear tube to the bleeders, and bleed them untill everything comes out clean... Then drive it around the block a few times, and do it again... Then bleed them again

I'd rather spend $6 on brake fluid every two years, then $20 per caliper/$15 per wheel cylinder/$10 per flex line...

Besides, it gives u time to give everything else a quick glance.

The purists at my mercedes forum change brake fluid every spring when they take their cars out... I dont see any harm in it, especially when calipers are lasting 30 years.

Another trick my uncle taught me is to buy the good rotors, but the cheap pads... The pads wear out faster then good ones, but they dont do much to the rotor... and since they wear out fast, the calipers/wheel cylinders get good movement to prevent seisure (in theory)

I dont really know anything, I'm just a 17 year old who's been playing with cars forever. With the above information, I havent any brake related faliures... Except on the F150, but that never got fluid changes, and it's very old...

Good luck, enjoy the weather if it's nice (ours is AWESOME!!!) Spring break rules
~Nate

 

Thanks, Nathane.

 

I agree with the previous article. It is a trapped system, no filter. Entirely depends on the amount of pressure(powerbrakes assist your foot pressure) you apply to the m/c. For this reason many drivers install a dual chamber m/c in the older cars/trucks that had a single chamber m/c. If one chamber leaks you still have either front or rear brakes remaining to get you home for repairs. Brakes make heat which produces moisture in the brake lines and/or calipers/ drum brakes which in turn causes corrosion.If its a vehicle new to you I would go through the system to see what stage of corrosion/wear you have. I've used a cleaning fluid under air pressure to clean lines(use something that will clean and not harm your brake fluid and will blow dry.) If it is a very old vehicle, consider new brake lines. Cleaning and new fluid is cheap insurance and saves money in the long run. Have a great day, chuck