This is a question that many drivers ask themselves before they ever do a brake fluid flush. After all, what good is it going to do to flush the brakes if you don’t bleed them first? Well, there are a couple of reasons why it’s important to bleed the brakes before doing a brake fluid flush. The first reason is that brake fluid can contain metal shavings, which can cause your brake pads and discs to wear prematurely. The second reason relates to the fact that when you bleed the brakes, you’re letting the air out of the system. This air pressure helps keep your brake pads from sticking to the discs, which would lead to poor braking performance. So, in short, bleeding the brakes before doing a brake fluid flush is essential for keeping your car safe and performing at its best.
What is a Brake Fluid Flush?
Most car owners are not aware that it is necessary to bleed their brakes during a brake fluid flush. Brake fluid is an essential component of your braking system and if it is not flushed regularly, it can become contaminated with contaminants such as rust and scale. These contaminants can cause your brakes to fail prematurely. By bleeding your brakes during a brake fluid flush, you can remove any excess moisture and contamination from your braking system.
Here are some tips to help you perform a brake fluid flush:
– Always use fresh brake fluid when flushing your brakes. old brake fluid will contain contaminants that will affect the effectiveness of the flush.
– Make sure to use the correct type of brake fluid for your car. Some cars require DOT 3 brake fluid while others require DOT 4 brake fluid. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for more information.
– Clean all parts of the braking system before flushing them. This includes the calipers, pistons, and discs. Rust and scale can built up over time, so make sure everything is clean before starting the flush process.
– Start the flush by adding brake cleaner to the reservoir of your hydraulic master cylinder.
When should you perform a Brake Fluid Flush?
The answer to this question is subjective. However, one general guideline is that you should perform a brake fluid flush when your brakes become clogged and don’t work as well as they used to.
How to Perform a Brake Fluid Flush
If you’re like most drivers, you probably cringe at the thought of bleeding your brakes. But if your brake pads are worn down to the metal, bleeding them will restore their effectiveness and save your car from becoming a rolling disaster. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car on a level surface, with the wheel closest to the fluid reservoir facing down. If you have ABS, disable it before proceeding.
2. Open the bleed screw/port on the front of the master cylinder by turning it counterclockwise until it stops. This will allow fluid to escape from the brake calipers.
3. Depending on your car, you may need to remove the wheel or jacking up the front end in order to get enough clearance between the caliper and wheel. Carefully pour a prescribed amount of brake fluid into each caliper (about 2 cups per rotor). Avoid getting any fluid inside the wheel well or undercarriage. After pouring in the fluid, quickly close the bleed screw/port and turn it clockwise until it clicks into place again. Be sure not to overfill your calipers; adding too much fluid can cause leaks and damage
Pros and Cons of Bleeding Brakes during a Brake Fluid Flush
Bleeding the brakes during a brake fluid flush can be a beneficial or harmful procedure. Pros and cons of bleeding brakes during a brake fluid flush are discussed below.
Benefits of Bleeding Brakes During a Brake Fluid Flush:
-Removes any built-up fluid, dust, and debris from the brake system.
– Prevents damage to the braking system caused by sediment.
– Helps to clear any old, dried out DOT 3 brake fluid.
Drawbacks of Bleeding Brakes During a Brake Fluid Flush:
-May cause the brakes to work less effectively.
-May increase the chances of breaking the bleed nipple during the procedure.
– May cause unnecessary labor and time spent on the car.
In general, it is recommended that brakes be bled every three months or whenever there is evidence of sediment in the braking system. If brakes are not being bled on a regular basis, then it may be necessary to bleed them during a brake fluid flush. There are pros and cons to bleeding brakes during a brake fluid flush, but overall it is generally recommended that this procedure be done as needed rather than routinely.
Conclusion
Bleeding your brakes during a brake fluid flush is not necessary, and in fact, may cause more problems than it solves. Bleeding your brakes during a brake fluid flush can lead to warped rotors and even failure of the caliper due to excess contamination. If you are going to bleed your brakes during a brake fluid flush, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and don’t overdo it – this is an important service that should be done correctly by an experienced mechanic.