Brake Fluid Flush 101: How, When, & Why!
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- Опубликовано: 6 окт 2024
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Here's how I like to bleed brakes, I hope you all enjoy! I will link the tools used down below, including brake bleeder bottle, evacuator, and water tester :)
Brake Fluid Tester
amzn.to/3IPVp0w
Brake Fluid Bleeder Tool
amzn.to/3W8VcZb
Fluid Evacuator
amzn.to/3WkU05i
I think I'll always do maintenance on my own cars no matter how rich I get. No better feeling that fixing something that driving around town knowing you did it
its a great feeling!
Beautiful mustache Sir. So beautiful it made me cry a little. Thank you for sharing your mustache with our eyes.
Thank you Obie, my mustache says thank you :)
Lol!
When I bought my 3-Series, not only that my brake fluid was as dark as yours, but the whole system was clogged with big white chunks of deposits. It was probably never changed in 20 years. It took a lot of effort to clean the master cylinder, abs pump, and the pistons in the calipers.
What a nightmare! It’s not hard to believe brake fluid went unnoticed that long, most people forget about it and never service it
My e46 was similar. Looked like jizz
Thanks for the video! Just a thought, when you disconnect the silicone rubber connector at the brake bleeder nipple it causes a mess because the pressure in the collection bottle pushes the used brake fluid back up the collection hose. Instead, loosen the cap on the collection bottle after closing the brake bleeder to release the pressure without the danger of spewing brake fluid. Also with the loosened bottle cap the fluid in the drain hose will gravity drain back into the bottle when you pull the silicone connector off
good info! i used it again recently and i just took a lighter to a pick tool, and poked a hole in the top of the bottle to relieve pressure.
i was tired of this thing spitting at me every time i disconnected it lol.
great insight and thanks for the comment ! :)
@@DayOffDIYCan you add a demonstration of what you’re talking about to your video? I think I know what you’re talking about, but I’d rather see it in action so I know for sure.
If I can get my husband to remove the tires, I think I can get the rest of this done.
He thought I was nuts when I asked him “When was the last time we changed our brake fluid?”
Like I was asking him, “When was the last time we changed the air in our tires?”
It looks like our 2007 Dodge Caravan is due for a change in brake fluid. Mechanics (AAA) don’t typically do this when we ask them to change the oil, do they?
Would we also have to change the power steering fluid?
Thank you for this video!
@@flxmkr I'm pretty sure that's American for "heat up a pointed tool with your lighter and melt a small hole in the top of the bottle" to relieve the pressure. A drilled hole would work also.
Great video. I use the same bleeding tool. Using this tool, I would recommend always bleed the clutch on a manual too. Works the same easy way. Cheers from Gemany, BMWs home country!
Great idea, should’ve hit the clutch while I had it up
That is Correct , to lastly bleed Clutch being it runs off same master cyl.
Couple of comments. First, I admire your tools! Second, You mention that brake fluid absorbs moisture. This is true and the propensity to absorb moisture increases as the DOT rating increases - Dot 2, 3 and 4. The reason moisture in the fluid is bad is because it will eventually corrode/rust the internals of the braking system. i.e., result in rusted and frozen calipers and/or slave cylinders, and even the master cylinder. Finally, when I bleed a brake system I compress the calipers and/or slave cylinders to remove as much old fluid as possible. Thanks for your posting.
Great information!!! Appreciate the feedback.
You’re doin it right my friend!
Before anything, take a marker and mark the current fluid level. Then at the end, fill it ti that level so you know it’s not over full.
thats a great tip tyler!
knocking it out of the park bud. FYI, only england and old english territories drive on the left, all other european countries also drive on the right like we do. Hell, you have a lot of days off! I love it! That bmw is going to be better than new when you're done with it
Thanks partner, appreciate the info too! didnt know that bit about UK
Only England? And old ‘English’ teritories 😂 did you forget Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland….
For reference, countries and overseas territories that drive on the left and are right hand drive cars in Europe are:
Akrotiri and Dhekelia
Cyprus
Guernsey
Republic of Ireland
Isle of Man
Jersey
Malta
United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland)
@@M3goon dropping some knowledge!!! Thanks for clarifying Craig, appreciate the info
@@M3goon still it is a small amount compared to the left hand drive, he probably reffered England as a whole Britain, and 90% of people dont even recognize rest of the countries that you mentioned.
Australia too left
My man! Loving this E46 service series :) You seem to be getting better with every single video, hope you keep it up :)
Michal! My man, thanks for the watch and support
Thanks for the how to!! I just completed my first flush using a similar bleeder kit!!
awesome to hear that. thanks for the comment
I love how you make car maintenance so simple
Great incisive video on how to correctly bleed the brakes using a pressure device. Exactly what I needed to flush my BMW e39 540i.
Subscribed!
Thanks Brian! Glad it was helpful!!!
Great video, clear and concise instructions plus a bit of humor. Thanks
Glad you appreciate it ! Thanks for the comment
Great video as usual but this one is super good. It’s a quick step by step guide to doing brakes yourself. Can not improve on this video you covered everything.
I’m so glad you talked about the fluid level vs brake wear at 6:50 it really helps letting as many people as possible know this. 👍
Phantom!
Thanks for the comment partner. Always a joy to hear your feedback
Phantom, Ive been looking for you in the comments for months! How are you?! you alive? check in or email me!
Loving this e46 series ! Can never be enough e46 content..
Thanks Chad! Good to see you again
Can you do a video on checking/changing the fan clutch, as these are common failure points and most people don’t realise it’s reverse thread etc.....
I actually filmed it long ago but never edited it up, when i replaced the fan portion. Had a missing blade. Ill dig around for the clips. Good idea! I love suggestions, thanks bobby
Wow man you made that job look so easy for a 1 man job, THANKS I love my BMW even more when I can do some of the work on it myself.
absolutely! the more you do on em the more you appreciate the process. progress not perfection
I like the way you did this video, 1st one ive seen. Show n tell perfectly!
Thanks Hector! If you like this one, i think youll like some of my other content too!
I have had the same fluid since 2008 - brakes work perfectly... I might change it for fun one day... but it gives me the impression, it's going to last another 10 years yet.
Probably so! Probably better for the rubber and hard brake lines to keep the water out of the fluid tho
Boom! Boom! Nicely done brother!💪🏼 🧰
Thanks Chad!
Its funny how much auto maintenance knowledge my father shared with me from his decade+ of working on cars professionally (also from his lifelong hobby of working on cars and bikes). It has allowed me to do most if not all the work on any of the cars I've owned with great success. The money I've saved from troubleshooting my own vehicles and the time we've got to spend working on cars together has been irreplaceable. The one thing that truly baffles me is for years he was adamant that no matter what, brake fluid is not a consumable. So long as you do your brakes correctly and don't introduce air into the system, brake fluid doesn't go bad. He actually refused to help when I told him I was just going to bite the bullet on the next brake job and flush out the fluid for some fresh because "I was in for more trouble that it was worth". He's a great mechanic and knows how to work on anything so the brake fluid episode from nearly 20 years ago just baffles me...he changes the shit out on his motorcycles religiously so I don't know where the caveat with cars applies in his mind and he ain't telling, lol.
there is always more to learn! I will try to be a student til the day I die! the day we stop learning is the day we stop growing!
Sounds like your dad shared some awesome knowledge with you. thats great !
I have heard from someone recently who had their car at the dealer for service. Service manager recommended fluid flush and the owner said he had never heard of this in 40 years of owning vehicles. I think with leases you probably never get to the point where the fluid is compromised enough initially. When that ABS module goes out you will wish you had the fluid flushed. They are not cheap to replace since most need proprietary (dealer) software to function for specific vehicles.
In my experience I’ve always heard of brake fluid flushes since my time in auto academy in high school. It’s often overlooked but the moisture content results speak for themselves
It’s a lot cheaper to put tape over the ABS light. I hate ABS, traction control, stability control, etc. They actually make it dangerous to drive.
I just don't know. Automotive education is all over the place. Uneducated service departments lead customers to believe they are serving their vehicles as it should be when in reality they are getting oil changes and no major work. Or customers not listening to correct service advice and poorly maintaining a vehicle
You just need free inpa software on any windows laptop
@@user-tb7rn1il3q I opened the speedometer and removed the bulb and dingger
30 psi?! That's about TWICE the recommendation. Whomever is reading this, do NOT push 30psi through your brake lines.
good to know, i usually do 15-20
@@DayOffDIYnot 30 psi? It’s what you said.
I 35 psi during stop and go traffic
@Chrisp_az Yes he did. 2:36
someone told me you need a scan tool to activate the abs sensor when flushing brakes and that’s it’s not a diy thing. is this true? cause i’ve been wanting to diy
way cool man. thank you. going to have mine changed today. I never knew it was necessary.
mandatory wrench drop.. sometimes multiple drops are required
Always, you never know how many itll take to get the job done lol
@@DayOffDIY for sure, maybe one day I get through a job where I don't drop something haha
I never suck fluid out of the master cyl. I just use a 1 man bleed kit and trust me, that master cyl will go low plenty fast. Pump and fill, pump and fill. Works like a charm.
thats a good way to do it as well!
Great video on a badly overlooked maintenance.
If your hard up for cash and don't want to spring for this tool, Auto parts who have these will rent the pump to you and refund your money back once returned. Man, the times we live in.
See how he has the towels where he works, brake fluid is an effective paint stripper. If yo do spill on paint, Soapy Wooder, sorry, soapy water, is best.
I like to open bleed screws and push fluid out there when pushing pistons in, instead of back through the system so they get some new fluid in the system after declining a system flush, unless it has fresh fluid already of course.
Older GMs were bad about the old fluid messing up the ABS unit valves.
Remember the days when all we had was little test strips before the electronic moisture detectors, one end for brake fluid the other for coolant? I still have some, LOL.
Thanks weaver! All kinds of good information in your comment
I used to use those test trips! Used to attach them to all of my old inspection sheets for the service writer.
Gotta hit all the fluid with soapy wooder 🤣
Water will neutralize any spilt brake fluid. It can absolutely destroy paint if left alone
Thanks for the comment friend!
Also wear safety googles. They look goofy and ugly but if that fluid gets in your eyes you may find yourself in the emergency room. Also watch when you take that hose off so the spray doesn't go everywhere. Brake fluid is bad for your paint. I am not sure how bad DOT 4 is vs DOT 3 but I know either one is poisonous and corrosive. It is not corrosive as in "I'm melting" but it is not good for you or your paint! I have no idea how bad modern brake fluids are on paint but I do know don't get it on there and if you do, get a wet sponge or rag and wipe it up quick. Also treat it like coolant and don't let your pets lick any of it if it spills. I like to let my cats roam outside but I am cautious when I do my brakes not to let them near and to watch them more closely if they get near so they don't lick any. It has a bittering agent but I would not trust it to stop them from consuming a harmful dose since it does not take a lot.
thanks for the heads up! ive been wearing safety glasses a lot more often now, and I always rinse down any spilled brake fluid to neutralize it afterwards. I also drilled a hole in that brake fluid bottle to relieve the pressure so it doesnt spray anymore.
I would like to see you do clutch bleed. I have an e46 manual and need to get it done on my car. Would like to see your tricks.
Great idea! Should’ve added it into my brake flush video but I’ll do a separate one for clutch
Brake Fluid: you can depend it leaking out when you service it. MUST HAVE ON HAND: Blue shop towels, old torn tshirts, ETC. You cant skip the dry air test. You can figure out what adapter o-ring works best. Pressure up to 12psi. 15 psi is gonna bust the typical 7 year old car seals.
a tip for you though drill a small hole at least 2mm on the cap of that catch bottle so You dont pressurize it when using the pressure bleeder so You avoid 3:46
Great tip. I did it after I shot this video, heated up a pick tool and made a little hole for pressure
I'm second! I liked knowing the part about bottle level. Now I know why.
Good to see ya again partner! brought the work light around to each wheel for lighting with you in mind
@@DayOffDIY lit beautiful! Hate dark wheel well videos. Does nothing for the learning experience. Great job my man!
Afte watching few minutes I noticed the thumbnail. I'm still here, but I have to ask, thank you for not sucking on the bleeder calves.
Really enjoy your content ! Straight to the point , informative and I can tell you pay attention to detail. Going to try this on my 528i E39.... would you mind telling me all the tools used for this brother? Do i need to buy the pumps? I am def looking forward to more videos and content with help my E39! lol
Just the Ystool Brake bleeder kit, and a wrench set to break loose the bleeder screws on each caliper. I believe this car was 9mm. usually its a 7,9,or 11 mm for bleeders on BMW
Like this video - straight to the point with good advice 👍
You did an excellent job on this video. Thanks!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment
One day can you make a video of your camera gear and how you set up everything in order to film? Also where can I get that type of hood camera stand that you used for the engine shots in the other videos?
Absolutely! I can run though that stuff. That might make a good video
I wish I could use one of those pressurized bottles, I have the old school square style one that you take off the metal lid, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado
yeah thats a shame they dont adapt to the old style. You could use a fluid extractor with a piece of vacuum line on the bleeder nipple to expedite the bleeding procedure though! but thats just extra. gravity bleed would be a easy option
I never use a fluid tester cuz there is one overlooked flaw: water sinks in brake fluid.
So way before the tester will even indicate the presence of moisture in the master cylinder, water present in the system will have already sunk to the lowest point, which is at the calipers. I as a rule change out the fluid on a time basis regardless of what the tester shows me.
Thanks for the awesome video. Will be doing this soon.
glad it was helpful! thanks for the comment!
Dude! Your ‘stash game is so good, it looks fake 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Hahahah thanks tomas!
Thought he was talking to me because my names Alec. I was shook
Lolol hello my fellow Alec! Thanks for the comment
Very clearly explained. Thanks!
3:29... For all of you who say you will never use the 9 mm in a wrench/socket set...lol
That's not the only place... you'll need a 9 mm on some cars to hold the piston in place on a McPherson strut.. that's also a 9 mm...☝️
Hahahah rare but still used! Thanks for stopping by
Thanks for the vid! Should I do the brake fluid flush before or after I change my pads and rotors?
i like to do it before so i don't spill any brake fluid on new pads and rotors, but either way is okay :)
Excellent work, 5 star ..thanks
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the comment
I find that compressing the calipers while the bleeder is open and removing the fluid from thr caliper cylinders is a good idea. That fluid needs to be replaced and will not if you don't compress the calipers.
Nice one.. Not just for the car ,,,motorbike well ..I was wondering why my motorbike's brakes failed when it got to hot..Thnx
this is true!!!
keep up the hard work 👍
Thanks, will do!
How much old dirty brake fluid was left in your ABS modulator? On ABS cars they tell us to exercise those channels/valves with a bidirectional scan tool to flush those out too without introducing air bubbles in there. Overall the system should be fairly well sealed and should not let water in, almost as hermetically as AC refrigerant circuit?
Ya know, I did brake flushes for 6 years and never went through the bleed function on the ABS. Never had any issues with it
WELL DONE BROTHER
I'd recommend using a clear tube
for the brake fluid catch bottle?
thank you for sharing. i believe i can handle that.
When should you bleed the breaks, After or before changing calipers,drums,rotors? Or all? Does it damage the new caliper when bleeding the breaks after?
Very informative video - I'll keep this one open till I'm ready to change brake fluid!
On the pressurized collection bottle problem - is there any reason that bottle should be pressurized? would it work better if you leave the cap of the collection bottle a little loose?
Good story line
thank you! much appreciated!
Excellent video!!! A brill tool to service the braking system!!! But please remember that brake fluid is a very toxic liquid!!!! Will take the paint off your car before you can say shit!!!! Regards Ian 👨🎤🇳🇿👍
Absolutely, brake fluid will destroy your paint. Thanks for the comment Ian!
That catch bottle should be vented properly so it isn't being pressurized.
You’re right, I’ve drilled a hole in it since then to relieve pressure
My Acura recently went for a 20k mile service and was told it needed a brake flush. I was surprised as this is the 4th Acura MDX I’ve had and never been recommended this before even though each vehicle has reached 35+K in three years. The way I use the car and location has not changed. I question where it needs changing yet? Any advice or thoughts?
Hey adrian! that comes down to the service advisor. A good one should recommend a brake flush at a reasonable interval. Thats why i test all the vehicles i recommend it on, so i have proof that its due. BMW actually recommends the service via the dash indicator every two years
Thanks for your input and comments. I did just take a small sample from the master cylinder and if not mentioned by the service advisor the color would not alert me to a flush being needed.
Sometimes the color can be okay but it’ll contain moisture as well. All depends on how it tests. If you’re curious you could always buy some water testing strips or a pen in the description 👍🏻
Very clear and concise lesson. Thanks.
Thanks for another informative video. I saw in your other recent videos that you jack up the E46 in the centre of the sill area to place jack stands both front and rear at the same time. Does the E46 have a jack pad in the centre as well? My two E36's only has jack pads front and rear. I got to get myself a bleeding tool like yours, my wife just runs when she hears me calling from the garage to come pump the brake pedal.
Glad you liked it!
There’s no jack pad there, but the unibody is plenty strong to support the jack there in my opinion. Maybe I’ll do a quick video on some jacking tips for BMWs, because strictly relying on the jack spot locations is a pain.
Yeah the bleeder tool makes it real easy, for brakes or clutch, turns it to a one person job :)
@@DayOffDIY That would be nice, thanks. A lot of the BMW factory racers here in South Africa in the past have had jacking points welded into the centre of the sill area as well. Makes for quick pit stops
Dropped a like👍 Most of Europe have LHD cars and drive on the right btw
Thank you! And thanks for the info :)
great video! Thanks for the info.
I believe there is a step to pump the brake 3 times and hold down to get all the fluid bleeded out.
thats how it would be done without a pressurized bottle. if you didnt have this tool and had a friend to help you, thats how you could get it done
with this tool its a one person operation
@@DayOffDIY thanks!
Great video
thanks marcus!
Great video. Thanks!
You're welcome!
Service the brakes first, then bleed. That way you don't have to remove and waste new clean break fluid.
Did you ever take a moisture sample from the caliper bleed port after letting some fluid out then take the sample? If so what was the moisture content then? Does moisture that gets absorbed by the fluid at its weak point, the cap area, then transfer down thru the lines like a worm? Or do you think that the moisturized fluid stays up mostly in the reservoir area?
thats a great question! I havent tested at the bleed port yet but i will my next flush. I think moisture works its way in through the cap at the master cylinder, and maybe through the rubber hoses... not sure how it gets in there
Thanks
Thanks for the comment Lineman!
I have one of those bottles but the cap that goes onto the reservoir wouldn't seal and I got fluid seep out and food the area.
What a bummer! You inspect the deal or contact the manufacturer?
Thanks, great info.
Glad it was helpful!
What you said is right, but the tester may be a trash. Dip it into new brake fluid it would be the same
This is true! I’ll have to test it and double check it, however, I have been testing other cars and the results vary
Greetings from Canada
Hello there! Thanks for stoppin by
When you change the brake pads, shouldnt you be competent enough to keep an eye on the brake fluid reservoir, and drain as necessary?
not everyomne is that knowledgable
Cheers! Question: Will this flush the ABS pump as well? Meaning no need to run the pump manually through the procedure with the diagnostic tool?
With the pressure from the bottle I can only assume it flushes a majority or at least a portion of it. I think the bleed procedure would get the rest of it through, however with the volume of fluid after a flush, if it doesn’t get all of it it would dilute it with enough fresh fluid to call it good in my opinion.
The bottle with 30 psi should be enough to push the fluid through the ABS. I think.
I would agree. Thanks a lot, great content!
@@DaPhobos thank you!
Good info
thanks neal!
There are reviews on Amazon stating that this tool reads even new brake fluid as bad.
Ive tested it against both and mine is testing accurately. I assume they can be hit or miss
Straight out Valvoline DOT4 was already at 2%
what's your experience with fresh fluid?
To be honest with you I’ve never really tested it right out of the bottle, but I want to now!
Do you need to pump the air frequently or is once enough? Cheers
Could we get one for the coolant system? :)
Absolutely! Great idea, just added it to the list
@@DayOffDIY woooo
I have a question, is there any way you can link those tools in the comments and @ me? I want to purchase them for use
Hey Elvis, all of the product links are in the description of the video 👍🏻
I couldn't get past the Cheech Marin mustache.
its strong!
most of europe is actually LHD, only the brits are RHD. so its mostly the same for all of the procedure.
if its abs aren't you supposed to cycle the abs module?
I never do with the brake flush, just how I’ve always done it, the old will get diluted by the new anyways
What if one never change the brake fluid for the last 10 years, and there are seem to be No brake failures, given that there are No leaks in the brake system?
I think your answer is at (8:00)
well said!
Great video, you look like my buddy named Pete he is a mechanic as well; same thick mustache
lol, thanks Jeezy!
I won't change and flush the brake fluid if the paddle does not feel spongy. I only replace the brake fluid in the reservor with DOT 4, NOT DOT 3.
Brake fluid should be replaced every few years imo
He didn't test the new fluid to show the device is good or bad...overall, great video!!
dont need to use the diagnostics to bleed ABS/DSC module?
nope! never had to for this type of flush. youre technically not introducing air into the module, unless you were to suck the brake reservoir dry and then add fluid then bleed.
How accurate are those amazon pens really?
theyve been surprisingly accurate for me over the years. worth the small price in my opinion
Water also works to clean brake fluid
it does well! i always pour water over any spilt brake fluid when it involves paint or engine bay. wanted to add that, with how to make ur own catch bottle, but it skipped my mind while filming
I had my brake fluid changed for the second time within 1 year because mechanic said the fluid was contaminated and very dark.
Did I get scammed
I put power steering fluid in my brake fluid what should I do lol
did you really?
What happened to the clutch and abs pump, do they use the same oil from the same tank? Do you know how to activate the ABS pump? The pressure should not exceed 1BAR. the tester is not designed to dive so deep into the oil. You're wrong, it's the mustache that matters.
Firestone wants to charge me $170 so i decided to search what is this about. Wonder if they do all that tho bleed all four wheels. I should asked them whats included
I’ve been starting to work on my car myself, is this concept the same for most cars? Sorry if that question is dumb lol I have a 2015 camaro and I’ve had it for about 3 years but I have not yet had a brake service done especially from Chevy dealers cause it’s expensive lol but I do wanna try myself, just a tad nervous I’ll screw it up.
There are no dumb questions my friend! This concept is pretty much the same for all cars. the only thing that changes is the threads on the brake fluid reservoir as well as the brake bleeder screw sizes. If you have a kit like i listed in the description you should be able to flush brake fluid on really any make an model
@@DayOffDIY I appreciate it ! Thank you man, I’m gonna try when I look up a couple more vids. Wanna make sure I know what I’m doing going into it! Great content btw super helpful (:
Dude I literally went in for a recall and they recommended a brake fluid change for $293 on a Chevy Malibu 2013 lol. The dealerships are crazy
@@eligreg99 that’s my point they’re so overpriced lol plus they always “find something else” that you didn’t even go in for
are you not supposed to pump the brakes when draining?
my brakes are soft---is that becuse I have ignored this DRAIN /FLUSH BRAKE FLUID notification?
Could be a few things Lisa, but lack of maintanence of brake fluid usually wont make a pedal go soft. its possible it could be an issue with the brake booster, or even a leak somewhere. Id get it inspected
@@DayOffDIY Thank you.
will this procedure work for hybrid car?
i dont see why not!
You would think the bottles and tubes would be clear so you can properly see the colour of the fluid makes sense to me anyways.
They’re clearish but not too clear, I agree!
You can see the colour at the end of the video