One common DIY repair that many car owners are likely to need to undertake at some point is a brake fluid flush. However, if you’re new to this type of repair, you might be wondering if you can do it yourself. In this article, we’ll show you how to do a brake fluid flush on a car yourself – no mechanic required!
What is a brake fluid flush?
A brake fluid flush is a simple procedure that can be done by yourself to clean and maintain your brake system. When done correctly, this simple maintenance task can help prevent costly problems down the road.
Here’s how it works: The brake fluid in your brake system is circulated through the master cylinder and each caliper. Over time, residues from the braking system (e.g., dust, debris) can build up on these components, which can cause your brakes to stop working properly. A common symptom of bad brake fluid is a “dragging” or “grinding” sound when you apply the brakes. A brake fluid flush removes all of the built-up debris and restores your brakes to their full performance potential.
To perform a brake fluid flush on your own, you will need:
-A container that will hold at least 1 gallon of water (or other suitable solvent)
-An empty or clean brake caliper
-A plunger
-Ratchet set
If you have any questions about how to do a brake fluid flush yourself, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team at 1-800.
How to do a brake fluid flush yourself
If you’ve never done a brake fluid flush before, it’s a pretty simple process. Just make sure to have all the necessary supplies on hand, and follow these steps:
1) Park your car in a safe location.
2) Remove the wheel cover.
3) Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
4) Add enough fresh brake fluid to cover the bottom of the reservoir.
5) Replace the reservoir cap and wheel cover.
6) Drive your car until it reaches operating temperature.
7) Stop at a safe location and park again.
8) Remove the filler tube from the brake master cylinder.
9) Add brake cleaner to the filler tube until it is full (about ¼ cup).
10) Replace the filler tube and brake master cylinder assembly.
11) Drive your car until it reaches operating temperature again.
12) Stop at a safe location and park again.
13) Check for leaks by squeezing each caliper (front and rear).
What to expect during a brake fluid flush
If your brakes are making noise, worn out, or just don’t feel right, it’s time to do a brake fluid flush. Here’s what to expect:
1. Locate and remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
2. Open the bleeder valve on the front of the reservoir and let the fluid run until it stops flowing (about 2-3 gallons).
3. Close the bleeder valve and replace the reservoir cap.
4. Fill a bucket with clean water and place it next to the brake pedal.
5. Remove the master cylinder cap and use a wrench to remove the bleeder screw on top of the master cylinder (see photo).
6. Place a container under the hose that exits from the master cylinder and fill it with brake fluid (see photo). The goal is to have about 1-2 cups of fluid in the container.
7. Replace the master cylinder cap, bleed system screws, and bleed screw on top of slave cylinder (see photo). Make sure that these screws are tight!
8. Pump the brake pedal several times until all air has been bled from the system. Check for leaks by placing your hand over the hose.
Conclusion
There’s no shame in admitting that you don’t know everything when it comes to car maintenance, and that’s why we asked our resident mechanic, Tom, about the best way to do a brake fluid flush yourself. Tom explained that while a brake fluid flush is definitely an easy task for someone with experience doing auto repairs, it can be done safely and effectively by anyone who is confident in their ability to work on cars. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your brakes are performing at their best and ready for any emergency situation. Thanks for reading!