Brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car, and they should be replaced every time they get worn down. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you do this work yourself. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about flushing brakes, so that you can make an informed decision about when to replace them.
Pros and Cons of Flushing Brakes
Flushing the brake pads on a car can be a beneficial procedure in terms of keeping your brakes working properly. However, there are pros and cons to flushing brakes before replacing calipers.
The pro side to flushing brakes is that it can keep your brakes from seizing up. When your brake pads become worn down, the friction between them and the discs can cause the pads to stick to the disc. Flushing the brake pads can remove this layer of material, preventing it from building up and causing problems.
The con to flushing brakes is that it can also wear out the calipers over time. Brake fluid can corrode the aluminum calipers if it is not flushed regularly, leading to them becoming less effective and requiring replacement. In some cases, this may be necessary even if the brake pads are still in good condition.
How to Flush Brakes
When replacing brake pads or rotors, it’s important to flush the system first. This helps prevent any debris from getting into the braking system and causing issues. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car in a safe location with the engine off.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Fit a funnel into the brake fluid reservoir (if there is one) and pour about 2 quarts of fluid into the reservoir.
4. Close the valve to the reservoir and wait about five minutes for the fluid to circulate through the system.
5. Open the valve to the reservoir and let all of the fluid flow out.
6. Replace any cap or tube that was used to fill the reservoir and tighten it evenly.
7. Reattach the negative battery cable and start your car.
When to Replace Calipers
There is no universal answer when it comes to when to replace calipers on a vehicle. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you make an informed decision.
When the calipers start making clicking or grinding noises, it’s time to replace them. Additionally, if the pads are showing signs of wear or if the calipers are excessively dirty, then it’s time to get them replaced as well.
The best way to determine when to replace calipers is to monitor how the brakes are performing over time. If they start making noise or the pads are wearing out quickly, it’s probably time for a new set of calipers.
Conclusion
In general, it is generally a good idea to flush your brake pads before you replace them. Flushing the pads helps to remove any debris that may be on the surface of the pad, and also gets rid of any old gummy material that may have built up on the rotor over time. If you are unsure whether or not flushing your brakes is necessary, or if you have any other questions about replacing your calipers, please don’t hesitate to ask!