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wvabeer · 03-14-2014, 10:09 AM

I have heard the this could save trouble down the road. Is there an easy way?

perryg114 · 03-14-2014, 10:53 AM

You need a vacuum brake bleeder. An auto parts place should have one or you can get it online from some place like Amazon. The only problem you will have is the bleeder screw breaking off in the caliper. You start by removing most of the fluid in the reservoir with the suction hose and dump that in a jar for disposal. You fill the reservoir back up with clean fluid and attach the vacuum hose to a bleeder screw on the a caliper. You pump on the bleeder handle till you get some vacuum and then you crack the bleeder screw. You want to shut the screw before you run out of vacuum or fill the cup on the bleeder. You can keep pumping till the cup is full. When the fluid runs clear then you are done with that wheel. Now you need to repeat this with the other three wheels. Check the master reservoir often so you don't run out of fluid. Make sure you fill the master when you are done.

Perry

Rich W · 03-14-2014, 11:07 AM

There are 2 kinds of bleeders, those like in Perry's example where the bleeder has a pump, and those that require an air compressor to create the vacuum. I got the second type and have found it very useful. (MityVac) Be sure to read the description of the bleeder so you don't get the wrong kind.

Like Perry said, don't let the master run out of fluid or you'll draw air into your lines and you'll have to bleed them again. I buy the big bottle of brake fluid but I have several vehicles. Just make sure you have plenty on hand.

mayco · 03-14-2014, 12:12 PM

I had mine done at the shop, did my brake fluid and my power steering on the diesel. It was a little pricey but glad to have it out of the way

Tom Nugler · 03-14-2014, 12:46 PM

The German manufactures recommend a brake flush every 2-3 years.
The MityVac is a good choice for the DIY mechanic.
On the professional side, a good shop will have a pressure bleeder that pumps fluid through the system from the reservoir out to the caliper bleeders with a vacuum recovery system.

Tom

**GCinSC2** · 03-14-2014, 06:00 PM

I think with a bit of research, you;ll find that a big issue with DOT 3 and 4 is that it attracts moisture, water. This lowers the boiling point of the fluid and alows corrosion to start on all of the internal steel and iron parts, not good again.

Hand operated vacuum pumps are a clean way to deal with bleeding, but as you didn't post the vehicle specifically, any ABS vehicle most likely has some unique procedures to follow.

When I use a hand operated vacuum pump to pull fluid thru a system, one thing that has helped me at least is to remove the bleed screw (or maybe buy one and do a quick exchange) is to clean the threads and then wrap 2-3 turns of Teflon tape on the THREADS ONLY, not the seat and reinstall the bleed screw.

The threads of the bleed screw are rather coarse and air is easily pulled around the coarse threads and the vacuum finds the easiest path to pull air into your vacuum system and it reduces the effiecency of the system instead of pulling fluid, the vacuum is wasted on the bleed screw threads.

Gary

pappy19 · 03-14-2014, 06:31 PM

I highly recommend Blue Racing brake fluid for replacement, not only is it Dot 5, but is a blue color so you can really tell when the old fluid leaves and the new fluid replaces.

**GCinSC2** · 03-14-2014, 06:40 PM

Pappy,

2 questions, please what is the brand name of this BLUE fluid?

Are you positive that DOT 5 is comparable with DOT 3 and 4?

Please research AGS DOT 5 specification sheet specifically warns against mixing or use with any DOT 3 or 4.

Gary

perryg114 · 03-14-2014, 07:27 PM

Pappy don't you know that using Dot5 will cause the world to tilt on it's axis and is the beggining of amrmageden.

No not really, I been using it for decades. it works and does not absorb water. It is good stuff. I have a 91 Eclipse that I put dot 5 in when new. It has never been changed. It is still clear. Pundits be dammed it works and I use my brakes.

Perry

dznf0g · 03-14-2014, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pappy19

I highly recommend Blue Racing brake fluid for replacement, not only is it Dot 5, but is a blue color so you can really tell when the old fluid leaves and the new fluid replaces.

No DOT 5 in passenger cars. Plus, my son, who is an amateur racer, and used the various colored fluids every other time so he would know when he got a complete exchange of fluids, just informed me a couple weeks ago that the manufacturers of multicolored fluids were issued a cease and desist order by the Feds. FMVSS allegedly requires DOT 3 to be amber only.

I haven't researched it though.

**GCinSC2** · 03-15-2014, 05:45 AM

Sorry I was on the I-phone last night and don't know how to copy a link etc. I'm backing my concern up with the following.

http://www.agscompany.com/images/sto...luid_-_tds.pdf

The above is a link to AGS Company they supply a lot of brake lines to the aftermarket and other products. They sell DOT 5 and the PFD is their Spec Sheet for it. This is copied from their spec sheet.

" PLEASE NOTE: If system contains DOT 3/4 DO NOT add DOT 5. It is recommended
that brake systems do not conatin any trace of DOT 3/4 brake fluid. It May require
that brake system components be rebuilt or replaced to eliminate all traces of DOT 3/4
Fluid. Follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures for inspection, maintenance,
and for filling of the brake system. Routine maintenance should occur annually.
DO NOT USE ON ANTI-LOCKING BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS)
DOT 5 is NOT recommended for any vehicle with ABS brakes because it tends to aerate when cycled rapidly through small orifices."

If anyone can tell me the name of any BLUE brake fluid, I'd appreciate it. I've seen it in removed clutch hydraulic components. Please.

Gary

**GCinSC2** · 03-15-2014, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dznf0g

No DOT 5 in passenger cars. Plus, my son, who is an amateur racer, and used the various colored fluids every other time so he would know when he got a complete exchange of fluids, just informed me a couple weeks ago that the manufacturers of multicolored fluids were issued a cease and desist order by the Feds. FMVSS allegedly requires DOT 3 to be amber only.

I haven't researched it though.

ATE Super Blue Racing DOT 4 safety recall notice, just found this.

http://www.ate-na.com/www/download/a..._notice_en.pdf

pappy19 · 03-15-2014, 06:37 AM

Here 's the web site:

Discount Super Blue Brake Fluid / ATE TYP 200 / TYP200 SuperBlue - RACEShopper.com

wvabeer · 03-15-2014, 07:50 AM

DOT 5 is not compatible with DOT 3. Been down that road with motorcycles.

**GCinSC2** · 03-15-2014, 07:53 AM

Wvabeer,

What was your experience with mixing 3 and 5?

wvabeer · 03-15-2014, 08:07 AM

My brake fluid got cloudy/clumpy. I thought I had flushed all the 3 out but did not. It just did not mix.

wvabeer · 03-15-2014, 08:15 AM

I have one of those mity vacs I am going to change it today and new pads.

perryg114 · 03-15-2014, 08:40 AM

The two fluids don't mix. You can get most of the dot3/4 out and put 5 in. It is hard to get all the old fluid out. What is left of the old fluid will still absorb water but it is still better than pure Dot3/4. The mixture of the two is like oil and water but the mixture still does not compress. NAPA usually has the DOT5 and you can get it online cheaper. The military use to use it in all their vehicles. They say not to put DOT5 in anti lock brake systems and that maybe true. What you might do is change out the fluid to DOT5 then flush again after a few months and that will dislodge more of the old fluid and other junk. I would do this right after driving so the two don't have as much time to separate.

Replacing the DOT3/4 fluid every year or so will work as well. I have found that stuff that is driven a lot works fine with the DOT3/4 and stuff that sits likes the DOT5.

Perry

polarlyse · 03-15-2014, 08:51 AM

Just some pointers that I haven't seen mentioned yet here. I strongly recommend getting a 6 pointed socket to break the bleeder valve loose. Once loose any good open end or closed ended wrench that will reach will work. The bleeder valve seems to be a soft metal and if you round off the corners your job will suddenly become a major effort.
Replacing the fluid is important and should be done every few years. Cheap insurance to keep your brakes working up to snuff.

dznf0g · 03-15-2014, 09:13 AM

Line wrenches are worth the investment. That's all I would use on brake lines and bleeders. 6 point sockets are fine, but gets really messy. With line wrenches you can attache a hose to the bleeder nipple and be neat and still open and close without making a mess.