Brake fluid flush is a regular maintenance task that every car owner should perform. Brake fluid can become contaminated with dust, road salt, and other debris over time. When this happens, the brake system may not work as well as it should. Here are four signs that you need to do a brake fluid flush:
-Your brakes feel spongy or “wet” when you apply pressure to them
-You see white or yellow smoke coming from your brakes
-Your brake pedal feels very squishy or soft
-Your car has a “hard stopping” feeling
When to perform a brake fluid flush
A brake fluid flush is an important maintenance procedure for your car. Brake fluid helps to slow or stop your car in an emergency. A brake fluid flush will also help to keep your brakes working at their best. Follow these steps to determine if you need a brake fluid flush:
– Check the condition of your brakes: If they are showing any signs of wear or are making unusual noises, it is time for a brake fluid flush.
– Check the level of your brake fluid: Brake fluid levels should be checked regularly and replenished as necessary.
– Perform a visual inspection of your brakes: Inspect the pads, rotors, and calipers for signs of wear or damage. If any part looks suspicious, it may be time for a brake fluid flush.
What to check for during a brake fluid flush
If you’re experiencing problems with your brakes, it’s important to check the fluid level and flush the system. Here are four things to look for during a brake fluid flush:
1. Are the brakes sticking or dragging? If so, the fluid may be low or contaminated.
2. Are the brake pads squealing? This means that the pads are not contacting the disc adequately, which could lead to poor braking performance.
3. Can you move the car easily by pressing down on the brake pedal? If not, there may be issue with the brake pipes or calipers.
4. Does the fluid smell bad? A foul odor could mean that contaminants such as rust have made their way into the system.
How to perform a brake fluid flush
If you have a heavy brake pedal feel, or if your brakes are ineffective when cold, it may be time to flush your brake fluid. A brake fluid flush will remove any dirt, rust, and other contaminants that may have built up in the system over time. Follow these steps to perform a brake fluid flush:
1) Remove the wheel and parking brake from the vehicle.
2) Remove the front wheel housing by unscrewing the four screws located at the front of the housing.
3) Disconnect the hydraulic lines and reservoir from the master cylinder.
4) Remove the caliper by unscrewing the two bolts that hold it to the hub.
5) Remove the two bolts that hold the brake hose to the caliper.
6) Remove the brake hose from both ends.
7) If your vehicle has ABS, disconnect and disable it before proceeding.
8) Clear any obstructions in front of and behind the wheel (e.g., branches, flowers, rocks).
9) Pour a small amount of antifreeze down into each wheel well (not more than half a cup). This will help keep corrosion at bay.
10) Fill up each wheel