How to Do a Brake Flush Yourself
Brake fluid is one of those things that you might take for granted, but if your car doesn’t have any brake fluid and you start to feel the pedal go to the floor, you know that something’s wrong. In this article, we’ll show you how to do a brake flush yourself, so that you can fix any brake issues before they become more serious.
What is a Brake Flush?
A brake flush is a procedure performed on your car’s brake system to clean and lubricate the braking components. Brake flushes are important to keep your brakes working properly, and can be done yourself if you have basic tools and knowledge.
How to Do a Brake Flush Yourself
Brakes are one of the most important parts of your car. They keep you safe when you’re driving, and they need to be in good working condition. If your brakes aren’t working well, you might not be able to stop quickly enough if you need to. That can lead to accidents.
Here’s how to do a brake flush yourself:
1. Park your car in a safe location.
2. Turn off the engine and the lights.
3. Remove the front wheel and tire.
4. Use a wrench to remove the brake caliper (or disc). You may have to take off the wheel hub as well in order to get at the caliper.
5. Wash the brake fluid reservoir and all of the lines that go into it with warm water and a little soap. Make sure you get all of the soap out; it doesn’t need to be completely clean, but it should be free of any grease or dirt.
6. Pour about 1 quart of fresh brake fluid into the reservoir. Fill up the reservoir until it is three-quarters full (or more). If your car has a master cylinder, add enough new fluid so the reservoir is two-thirds full.
7. Replace the caliper and wheel hub, and reattach the front wheel and tire.
8. Drive your car around for a few minutes to make sure the fluid is evenly dispersed.
9. If you have a vacuum gauge, check the pressure in each brake caliper (or disc). The pressure should be between 12 and 14 psi (Pounds per Square Inch). If the pressure is lower than 12 psi, you may need to replace the brake pads or have the brake system serviced.
Pros and Cons of a Brake Flush
There are pros and cons to doing a brake flush yourself. On one hand, it can save you time and money. Plus, if you do it yourself, you can be sure that the job is done correctly. On the other hand, a brake flush can be dangerous if not done correctly. If the fluid levels are too high or low, it could result in a safety issue. If you’re unsure whether or not a brake flush is necessary, consult a mechanic.