Brake Flush After is an important safety feature that should be performed on a regular basis. By discharging the brake fluid after every stop, you keep your car’s brake system in good working order and reduce the chance of a potential accident.
Causes of Brake Flush
If your brake fluid is flushed after your brake pads have been replaced, you may be experiencing a brake flush problem. Here are some common causes of brake flush problems and how to fix them:
1. Failed Fluid Reservoir Cap: If the reservoir cap is not properly installed or if it fails, fluid can seep into the system and cause a brake flush. To fix this problem, replace the reservoir cap or install a sealant around the cap to prevent leaks.
2. Leaks from Brake Hoses: Brake hoses can leak fluid, causing the system to fill up with fluid and cause a brake flush. To fix this problem, check for leaks and repair or replace any faulty hoses.
3. Failed Brake Pads: If the pads are worn out or defective, they can cause debris to get caught in the calipers and cause a brake flush. To fix this problem, replace the pads or clean the calipers and apply a new sealant if necessary.
How to Fix a Brake Flush
If you’re experiencing a brake flush, follow these steps to fix the issue:
1. Check the fluid level. If it’s low, add fluid. If it’s high, top off with a container of DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid.
2. Clean the lines and fittings. Use a wire brush on the insides of the lines, and a bottlebrush on the fittings. Use brake cleaner on any rust deposits.
3. Flush the system using fresh brake fluid. Pump the brakes until they stop, then release them. Use a turkey baster to squirt fresh brake fluid into each line until all four are full. Replace any worn or cracked hoses.
4. Reinstall the parking brakes and check for proper operation.
Prevention of Brake Flush
The most common cause of brake flush is a worn or corroded brake line. If the brake line becomes too short or becomes kinked, the friction between the pad and rotor will increase, causing the brake fluid to spray out the caliper.
If this happens while you’re driving, you’ll likely notice a sudden loss of braking power and may even feel like your car is stopping on a dime. In extreme cases, you could end up in a serious accident.
To prevent this from happening, make sure your brakes are serviced regularly and inspect them for signs of wear or corrosion. If you do experience a brake flush, be sure to pull over as soon as possible and stop the car safely. Once stopped, use a plunger to push any fluid that’s come out of the caliper back into the system.