Brake Fluid change, without T4, using the "gravity" method

[grout20]

Originally Posted by Synchromesh

Was it obvious from the colour change when the new fluid had reached each caliper?
How much new fluid did you use?

Hi,

I was using a clear piece of tubing but it wasn't blindingly obvious looking at it when the fresh fluid started coming through.

However, on the rear calipers I did notice a slight increase in the rate of the drips. So when I noticed that I dripped some drips into another (empty) glass jar for comparison, and that fluid did appear a bit lighter than the stuff in my main "catch container". Does that sentence make sense?

The O/S rear bleeding seemed to turn clear quicker than the (first one) N/S rear, and the N/S front and O/S front went quicker too. Fairly obvious perhaps, as the pipes/hoses to flush through are shorter length as you work your way round the system.

Volume of fluid overall? I only needed one litre. I'd estimate the amount bled at each wheel before it appeared fresher was (...ish...)

N/S rear - 400ml
O/S rear - 250ml
N/S front - 150ml
O/S front - 100ml

(If someone knows how much fluid you should aim to bleed out of all four corners ... ignoring any ABS related bit .. then please let us know)

Of course, when I state above the drips got "quicker" please be aware that using this gravity-only method you should plan on 3 hours, copious cups of tea and have another couple of jobs to get on with at the same time....

.. and if someone responds to say "you should flush 3 litres of fresh fluid through, mate" I think I'll save up for one of those pressure bleeders!

Another long post .... sorry ... but hope it's useful.

Good luck

John