Your car’s brake system is there to help you stop quickly, whether you’re driving on the street or on the track. But if you don’t use your brakes properly, your car can come to a screeching halt. In this article, we’ll show you how to flush your brake line – and keep your car from crashing.
What is Brake Line Flushing?
If you are having brake problems, it is likely that the brake line is clogged with dirt, fluid, or debris. To flush the line and free up the brakes, follow these steps:
1. Remove the wheel and tire.
2. Destroy any large pieces of debris that may be in the line.
3. Shut off the engine and remove the fuel lines to the carburetor.
4. Disconnect both brake lines from their fittings on each side of the vehicle.
5. Pour a pot of boiling water onto the ground next to where the lines are connected to the vehicle.
6. Connect one end of each line to one of the boiling water fittings and let it cool for a minute or two before using it to flush out any debris from inside the line.
7. Repeat steps 5-6 until all debris has been flushed from the line.
8. reconnect both lines to their fittings and re-attach wheel and tire.
How to Flush a Brake Line
When your brake system needs to be flushed or serviced, it’s a good idea to flush the brake line first. This will remove any build-up of debris that may have caused the brakes to stop working properly. The process is simple, and can be done by following these steps:
1. Remove the wheel from the car.
2. Locate the brake fluid reservoir on the car and unscrew it.
3. Pour out all of the brake fluid into a container.
4. Insert a funnel into the brake line and pour in enough water to cover the line completely (about 2 cups).
5. Screw the reservoir back on and replace the wheel.
6. Wait at least 30 minutes for the water to work its way through the line and flush any debris down with it.
7. Reinstall the wheel and check for any signs ofbrakes not working properly, such as grinding or a lack of stopping power
When to Flush a Brake Line
Brake lines seep brake fluid, which can corrode the lines and cause them to leak. To prevent this and keep your brakes operating at their best, you should flush your brake line every 3,000 miles or when the fluid starts to look dirty. Here’s how:
1. Park the car in a safe location.
2. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Disconnect the brake line from the caliper (or ABS sensor).
4. Pump the brake pedal several times to break up any clumps of mud or dirt that may have formed in the lines.
5. Pour a small amount of fresh brake fluid into each line using a syringe or a funnel. Use only DOT-approved fluid; other fluids may contain chemicals that can damage your brakes.
6. Reconnect the line to the caliper (or ABS sensor).
7. Replace the wheel and tire, and reattach the brake line to the caliper (or ABS sensor).
Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to flush your brake line everytime you change your brake pads or rotors. Brake fluid can contain contaminants that can damage your brakes and even cause them to fail. By flushing the lines, you’re preventing any potential problems from arising and keeping your car in top shape. Here are the steps:
1) Remove the wheel and jack the vehicle up using a solid jacking point above the tire.
2) On most vehicles, there is a cap at one end of the brake line. Pry it off with a wrench or snap ring pliers and discard it.
3) Pull out the old brake pads, if applicable, anddiscard them in a safe place.
4) Screw in new pads according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to use fresh bleeding pressure while doing so; over-pressure can cause cracks in the brake discs.
5) Bleed the system again according to manufacturer’s instructions before reinstalling everything.