Brake fluid flush is one of those maintenance tasks that you might not think about until your car starts making strange noises. But if you don’t do a brake fluid flush every 6 months or so, your brakes will start to wear down and may even give out on you in an emergency situation. Here’s how to do a brake fluid flush the right way.
What is brake fluid flush?
Brake fluid flush is a procedure used to clean and lubricate the braking system on a car. It is typically done when the car begins to make a grinding or squeaking noise when braking, or when the brake pads start to wear down quickly.
Brake fluid flush is usually done by a mechanic, but it can also be done DIY using a few simple supplies.
Here are the steps for doing brake fluid flush:
1) Park your car in a safe location with the wheels turned off. This will help protect the brakes if you accidentally pull them while working on them.
2) Remove the wheel covers and brake drum(s). You may need to remove the axle nut and spindle nut to do this. Make sure you have a replacement drum if you need to replace one.
3) Remove the brake calipers (see photo below). On most cars, there are two calipers on each side.
4) Inspect the brake lines for any signs of corrosion or wear. If there are problems with the line, replace it now.
When should you do a brake fluid flush?
When your brakes start to feel spongy, you should do a brake fluid flush. This is typically done every 6 to 12 months.
What are the benefits of a brake fluid flush?
Brake fluid flush is a common service that is offered by mechanics. Flushing the brake fluid can improve your car’s braking performance and keep it running smoothly. Here are the benefits of a brake fluid flush:
– Brake performance can be improved by flushing out old or contaminated brake fluid.
– Older brake fluid can become thick and gooey, which can cause your car to stop quickly and shudder.
– By flushing out old brake fluid, you can prolong the life of your brakes and avoid having to replace them prematurely.
How to do a brake fluid flush?
If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t think much about your brake fluid. After all, it just helps stop your car. But dirty or low brake fluid can lead to unreliable braking and a lot of expense. That’s why it’s important to do a regular brake fluid flush. Here’s how to do it:
1) Verify that the brakes are in working order by applying the brakes and holding them down for at least five seconds. If the car doesn’t stop, the brakes may need to be replaced.
2) Remove the front and rear wheel hub caps. Brake fluid reservoirs are located behind these caps.
3) Open the bleed valve located on the master cylinder (usually near the floor). You may need to raise the jack to do this.
4) Pour a small amount of brake fluid into the bleed valve. Close the bleed valve and hold it closed with a wrench until the brake pedal feels soft and there is no more brake fluid coming out of the bleeder valve. Don’t overfill; you should be able to fill a half-pint container with this fluid.
Conclusion
If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t think much about your brake fluid. But if it’s low or has been sitting too long, it can cause problems. In this article, we’ll show you how to do a brake fluid flush to fix any problems and keep your car running smoothly.