Scott1258

Can you do an incremental brake fluid change just like the incremental power steering fluid change? Or do you have to do the regular brake bleeding to replace the fluid?

Anyone know? Thanks!

Scott

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

The brake fluid doesn't get circulated like power steering fluid. You're going to have to bleed the whole system.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Doing the Turkey baster method will create air bubbles & moisture which is a brake system's worst enemy.. Bleed the brakes..

Lexmex

I have done this method using draining the reservoir, but not as effective and definitely not the same feel on the braked pedal when done through bleeding.

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

You don't have to bleed out all the way completely. Just open each bleeder valve on the calipers and let some fluid out. Repeat for each wheel. Do this every 2-3 oil changes and the fluid should always stay clean.

Scott1258

Hey Jeff (and everyone else who posted) thanks for the advice!

I'm really new to doing anything with the brakes - so I need some help on just about everything. As in "what's the bleeder valve?" and how much fluid do you let out? And then do you just fill up from the reservoir in the engine bay? Is there any info here on the board on brake bleeding 101?

Like I said, I don't know anything about the brakes but would like to learn and do it myself. Any help directing me would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Scott

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/brake/bleeding.html

it's the same as the GS

Scott1258

GSteg that's exactly what I needed - thank you!

? - is the nut that you do a 1/4 to 1/2 turn to allow the brake fluid to flow - is it pretty obvious which one that is?

And - do you have to take the wheels off to bleed the brakes or not?

And has anyone used the Mityvac brake bleed kit that attaches to the Mityvac fluid evacuator (if so did it work well and would you recommend it?):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mityv...2793QQtcZphoto

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Taking the wheels off makes the job MUCH MUCH easier.

You loosen the bolt enough that fluid drains out. I dont know if its 1/4th turn or 1/2, I just loosen it. The bleeder bolt is very obvious. You'll see it when you look at the caliper.

Remember on the GS, turn your ignition to the "on" position (without the engine running) to let the ABS motor run, otherwise you're not going to be able to bleed all the way.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Oh yea, i'm thinking about purchasing that fluid extractor. Looks like it'll come in handy.

Scott1258

Thanks for all the info GSteg!

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

So long as you use the same fluid.

As to the guys suggesting to rebleed the whole system, I don't see why you have to, unless the brake pedal feels mushy. But then in that case, just filling up the reservoir sure ain't gonna cure it.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

You can just bleed out some of it, but if you got the car up to drain the brake fluid, why not just spend the extra time to bleed the whole system and not worry about it for awhile? The time you spend right now to bleed the whole system will save you time later on.

Different stroke for different folks I guess

chuckb

brake fluid absorbs moisture over time.