Changing Brake Fluid

[adrian_celati]

Hi folks,

Has anyone here changed their own brake fluid and bled the brakes before on a car with ABS? I've done this before on a car without ABS with someone pumping the brake pedal while I bled the brakes. Just wanted to check if I can still do this on my XR6T.

Thanks in advance.

[Paulie2256]

Yes you can. Just don't let fluid go back the other way.

Loosen bleed > depress pedal > tighten bleed > release pedal > repeat.

Don't pump with the bleeder undone.

[Ciaran]

Just remember back passenger -> back driver -> front passenger -> front driver order and what Paulie said.

[adrian_celati]

^{Thanks guys, yeah must start with furthest from the master cylinder and not release the brake pedal with the bleed screw undone.}

[Ralph Wiggum]

Yes you can. Just don't let fluid go back the other way.

Loosen bleed > depress pedal > tighten bleed > release pedal > repeat.

Don't pump with the bleeder undone.

this

Just remember back passenger -> back driver -> front passenger -> front driver order and what Paulie said.

+this

+drain the MC reservoir first with a large syringe, top up with fresh fluid then do as above, will speed up the process and save fluid.

[Guest XR09]

Use a decent brake fluid. Makes a huge diff. Penrite sin is good value. Motul gets good reviews. AndI think APS make their own, or have their name on one.

If your wiping out the brake reservoir, use a clean rag and wet it with brake fluid before you stick it in there.

If I am by myself I will let gravity bleed the brakes.

Just keep an eye on the MC reservoir so it doesn't empty.

Get a 6 pack and have a jam.

[Ciaran]

+1 for Penrite Sin. Slightly more expensive but worth it

[1600dave]

How many 500ml bottles to do a flush?

Also if your not confident, don't mess with brakes!

Whats a flush worth these days from a mechanic anyway? Last car I got done for $50.

[Paulie2256]

2 bottles is always more than enough for me.

[Wenier]

If you own a compressor get a vacuum bleeder and its an easy 1 person job, you dont even have to press the pedal.