Brake Fluid Flush
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 949
Likes: 330
From: Colorado Rockies
Brake Fluid Flush
Any tips on an easy way to flush brake fluid? Do I need any special equipment? I have several vehicles due and would like to do it myself. I had one done at the dealer last year and it cost $225.
I'm thinking just like bleeding brakes; open the furthest bleed valve and pump fluid through with the brake pedal until it's clear; of course, keeping the reservoir full and not letting air in the system.
I'm thinking just like bleeding brakes; open the furthest bleed valve and pump fluid through with the brake pedal until it's clear; of course, keeping the reservoir full and not letting air in the system.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 908
Likes: 508
I use a pneumatic brake bleeder with automatic reservoir refilled from harbor freight that works well for me.
Suck out the top 2/3 -3/4 of the reservoir and top off with fresh fluid. Dont suck it dry as you don’t want to get air in the system.
Based on the location of the master cylinder you work from the farthest wheel to the closest wheel until all the old fluid is flushed from the system. I always make a pass the old fashioned way just to be 100% sure there is no air.
Whatever you do do not let the reservoir run dry.
a few days prior to the job give the bleeders a squirt of penetrating oil.
It is an easy job
Bob
Suck out the top 2/3 -3/4 of the reservoir and top off with fresh fluid. Dont suck it dry as you don’t want to get air in the system.
Based on the location of the master cylinder you work from the farthest wheel to the closest wheel until all the old fluid is flushed from the system. I always make a pass the old fashioned way just to be 100% sure there is no air.
Whatever you do do not let the reservoir run dry.
a few days prior to the job give the bleeders a squirt of penetrating oil.
It is an easy job
Bob
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 346
From: SE Iowa
Motiv pressure bleeder here as well. I'm actually getting ready to use it for the first time tomorrow as the brake fluid I ordered arrived today. If you're needing Dot 4 LV, Rockauto had the best price for Motorcraft PM20 at $8.35/quart when I was shopping.
Last edited by stryder; May 23, 2026 at 06:40 AM.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 779
Likes: 427
If you don't have air in the system, it isn't as vital to start with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder. You're just doing a fluid exchange. It is quite satisfying to watch the dark coffee colored fluid change to light yellow.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,466
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As easy to do it that way as not.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 949
Likes: 330
From: Colorado Rockies
Thanks for the advice. I will probably pick this one up from Harbor Freight; it should be fine for use every few years.
Look ok? https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=brake%20bleeder
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 908
Likes: 508
I have been doing it this way for 45ish years and even using a power bleeder I do a final round the old fashioned way. Old habits are hard to break.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 543
From: Florida
Agree with the above. I just flushed mine last month and it was a breeze. I've tried not only the pressure bleeder seen above, but also using a Mityvac at the caliper to "suck" the fluid down. But I found the Mityvac sucks too much air through the bleeder screw threads and it looks like you're getting tons of air (you are), which makes it impossible to ensure all air has been purged, and more difficult to see when you've got clean fluid at the caliper as well. Pressure only for me.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2022
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No question. Stick with a pattern that works. My comment was directed at calming the nerves of those who haven't done this much. Giving them one less thing to fret about.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 346
From: SE Iowa
Incidentally, PM20 is packaged 4qts to a box.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,848
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From: Uh oh, CA
This is something I should probably do sometime in the future... but I am one of those that has never done it so am nervous about doing it... the last thing I need to do is mess up the brakes!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 446
My wife will appreciate the one-person job; I will appreciate the lack of frustration of the two-person job.
Thanks for the advice. I will probably pick this one up from Harbor Freight; it should be fine for use every few years.
Look ok? https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=brake%20bleeder
Thanks for the advice. I will probably pick this one up from Harbor Freight; it should be fine for use every few years.
Look ok? https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=brake%20bleeder