Brake fluid change

[Funkyboy]

Anyone skip the 2 yr Brake fluid change by using a brake fluid tester instead?
Car is out of warranty.
Does the main dealer bleed brakes after fluid change of do they just remove from top and refill?

 

[Wighty]

Now I’ve got my own few quid tester from eBay , I will be a little more flexible with brake fluid changes . I do my own servicing so I’ll probably do it when I’m doing any brake work in the future but I’ll still keep it under 3 years ?

 

[onefortheroad]

What I do is use a turkey baster to empty the reservoir 75% then fill with fresh, crack a bleed nipple and let it drip until reservoir is well down but not too empty or you'll draw in air , top it up to full again,and repeat on the other 3 calipers.

 

[LostKiwi]

You can also (with the help of an assistant) use your vacuum oil drain tool to suck fluid down while your assistant monitors the level. Bubbles from the bleed nipple threads don't matter as the suction will keep pulling fluid the right way. Seal the nipple once done whilst still applying vacuum.

 

[onefortheroad]

You can also (with the help of an assistant) use your vacuum oil drain tool to suck fluid down while your assistant monitors the level. Bubbles from the bleed nipple threads don't matter as the suction will keep pulling fluid the right way. Seal the nipple once done whilst still applying vacuum.

I'd imagine that will be a very quick reservoir drain. Assistant will need to be trustworthy and definitely not the wife .

 

[LostKiwi]

I'd imagine that will be a very quick reservoir drain. Assistant will need to be trustworthy and definitely not the wife .

Given you control the rate at the bleed nipple it's a fast as you want it to be.

 

[Oldspanners]

Anyone skip the 2 yr Brake fluid change by using a brake fluid tester instead?
Car is out of warranty.
Does the main dealer bleed brakes after fluid change of do they just remove from top and refill?

Got one of these a few years ago and found it the easiest way to change brake fluid, plus it is also a vacuum tester. Suck out the old fluid from the reservoir, top up and then go around each wheel and suck out the old fluid until new fluid arrives.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HAND-VACUUM-PUMP-HELD-BRAKE-BLEEDER-TESTER-SET-CAR-MOTORBIKE-BLEEDING-KIT/402275629525?_trkparms=aid=1110009&algo=SPLICE.COMPLISTINGS&ao=1&asc=20200818142838&meid=e7d13d95fb1849ceaaed85b59982d9f1&pid=101197&rk=1&rkt=12&mehot=ag&sd=222680004434&itm=402275629525&pmt=1&noa=0&pg=2047675&algv=default&brand=Unbranded&_trksid=p2047675.c101197.m1850

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Yes 3/4 years sounds about right especially if low mileage. I used my brake fluid tester yesterday on the E class and it was registering less than 1.5% water content so still OK, if I could justify it I would buy a good quality boiling point brake fluid tester there was one going on eBay discounted to £170ish when I looked yesterday - still tempted

Although I like the BMW onboard vehicle maintenance status checker it can be a bit of a pain as the brake fluid flush is set for every two years hence a reminder every time you start the car

 

[Wighty]

What I do is use a turkey baster to empty the reservoir 75% then fill with fresh, crack a bleed nipple and let it drip until reservoir is well down but not too empty or you'll draw in air , top it up to full again,and repeat on the other 3 calipers.

I like that method buddy , might do that when I change to winter tyres , just means I’ll need a cup of tea with biscuits on each wheel ....bummer

 

[Wighty]

Got one of these a few years ago and found it the easiest way to change brake fluid, plus it is also a vacuum tester. Suck out the old fluid from the reservoir, top up and then go around each wheel and suck out the old fluid until new fluid arrives.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HAND-VACUUM-PUMP-HELD-BRAKE-BLEEDER-TESTER-SET-CAR-MOTORBIKE-BLEEDING-KIT/402275629525?_trkparms=aid=1110009&algo=SPLICE.COMPLISTINGS&ao=1&asc=20200818142838&meid=e7d13d95fb1849ceaaed85b59982d9f1&pid=101197&rk=1&rkt=12&mehot=ag&sd=222680004434&itm=402275629525&pmt=1&noa=0&pg=2047675&algv=default&brand=Unbranded&_trksid=p2047675.c101197.m1850

Do you need to apply vacuum before you crack the bleed nipple open ? So as to not introduce any air in first .

 

[Wighty]

Can you just use a Pela (or similar) oil extraction pump to pull brake fluid through ?

 

[Blobcat]

Can you just use a Pela (or similar) oil extraction pump to pull brake fluid through ?

Very similar to the Lidl oil pump I have

 

[Oldspanners]

Do you need to apply vacuum before you crack the bleed nipple open ? So as to not introduce any air in first .

First I used it to suck the old fluid out of the reservoir to save pulling it through the whole system and topped up with the new this is then usually enough to bleed the whole system. Oh, and if you mark the reservoir before this you can then get the same level when you finally top up.
I just pushed the clear plastic pipe on the bleed nipple and opened it, pumped up some vacuum and waited until the fluid looked clean and tightened it. There will be some air bubbles from around the threads on the nipple but as it's outside it's not a problem. Just have to watch the bottle that receives the fluid doesn't get full as the fluid will get into the vacuum pump.
I must say for the price it's the best I've come across and I've used it on several different cars and all have had a really solid pedal after.

 

[Funkyboy]

Can you just use a Pela (or similar) oil extraction pump to pull brake fluid through ?

Yes

 

[onefortheroad]

Can you just use a Pela (or similar) oil extraction pump to pull brake fluid through ?

Aye. If ya in a hurry. My way gets ya half a day , coffee and bacon sarnies.

 

[abazem]

Can this procedure be applied to SBC pump as well?

 

[Ricardo_e220]

I’ve a sealey pressure bleeder... works well and means you top up the tank with fluid and just worn your way round the car.

didn’t work well when I changed brake hoses but did that the old fashioned way to get pedal feel back. But for a flush it’s fine

Oh and every 2 years is probs overkill... I’ve a tester and some is fine after 5+ years - I get it’s hygroscopic and will be dirty at the callipers end which you don’t see