A brake fluid flush is a regular procedure that your vehicle should undergo if it’s been in storage for a long period of time or if it’s been used in wet conditions. The purpose of the flush is to remove old fluid, dirt, and debris from the braking system and to refill the reservoirs with fresh fluid.
What is brake fluid flush?
When to Get Brake Fluid Flush:
If your brakes are squeaking or making a grinding noise, it may be time for a brake fluid flush. A brake fluid flush is a routine maintenance procedure that helps keep your brakes working properly. This is especially important if you’ve had to replace your brake pads or discs in the past few years.
How to perform a brake fluid flush
If your brakes feel spongy, or if your car takes a long time to stop, it may be time for a brake fluid flush. Removing old fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid can help restore braking performance and preventbrake failure. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park the car in a safe place.
2. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Remove the brake caliper bracket.
4. Drain the brake fluid from the master cylinder.
5. Remove the banjo bolt that holds the brake hose to the caliper bracket.
6. Pull off the brake hose from the caliper bracket.
7.Remove the four bolts that hold the caliper to the rotor (two on each side).
8. Lift off the caliper assembly from the rotor.
9. Clean all parts of the caliper and rotor assembly with a degreaser and a clean cloth, then dry them thoroughly before installation.
10. Install new calipers and bolts, in reverse order of removal, making sure that they are tight against each other and against the rotor.
11..Replace brake hose onto caliper bracket, banjo bolt
When should you get a brake fluid flush?
One of the most common services your mechanic may offer is a brake fluid flush. Why? Brake fluid is a mixture of water, oil and antifreeze, and over time the water and oil can separate from the antifreeze. Over time, this can cause your brakes to wear more quickly and make them less effective. A brake fluid flush restores the balance of these fluids and helps preserve your brakes’ performance. When should you get one? Here are some things to keep in mind:
-If you have recently replaced your brake pads or discs, it’s worth it to have your brakes flushed.
-If you notice a decrease in braking performance, especially when you first start using your vehicle again after being off-road or during heavy rain or snowfall, it’s probably time for a brake fluid flush.
-If you’ve had any major repairs done to your brakes (such as replacing the master cylinder or calipers), it’s always a good idea to have them flushed.
Conclusion
When it comes to preventing brake failure, it’s always important to flush the system and replace fluids as needed. However, there are times—such as during winter months when the outside temperatures are below freezing—when brake fluid can become contaminated with salt and other anti-freeze chemicals. In these cases, you should get a brake fluid flush instead of just replacing fluids. This will help prevent wear on your brakes and ensure optimal performance.