Q. About Brake Fluid Flush & Replacement

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stevelibert@gmail.com - 15 Jun 2006 18:29 GMT

I've decided that since my Corolla needs new brake fluid, I would
just use DOT4 to replace the current DOT3 fluid. I've built a homebrew
pressure tank bleeder to make it a 1 man job. You can take a look at it

here:

http://geocities.com/mrbrakebleeder/

My question: Since I on flushing out the entire system, would it be
advisable to simple flush out the entire system with air to get out ALL

of the DOT3 fluid, and then refill with DOT4? Is it a good idea or bad
to have an 'empty' brake system? I know DOT4 is compatible with DOT3, I

just want to be sure ALL of the DOT3 fluid is replaced. Thanks.

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Nate Nagel - 15 Jun 2006 18:41 GMT

> I've decided that since my Corolla needs new brake fluid, I would
> just use DOT4 to replace the current DOT3 fluid. I've built a homebrew
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> just want to be sure ALL of the DOT3 fluid is replaced. Thanks.

IMHO it would be preferable to just run fluid through the lines until it
runs clear and then a little more just for insurance. I'd rather my new
brake fluid be "contaminated" by a trace amount of the old rather than
by a trace amount of air.

nate

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TeGGeR® - 16 Jun 2006 04:11 GMT

>> I've decided that since my Corolla needs new brake fluid, I would
>> just use DOT4 to replace the current DOT3 fluid. I've built a homebrew
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> brake fluid be "contaminated" by a trace amount of the old rather than
> by a trace amount of air.

Ditto. I always flush my brakes once a year exactly as you say. My master
cylinder finally caved in last year, after 248,000 miles and 14 years.

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TeGGeR®

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lugnut - 15 Jun 2006 19:01 GMT

>I've decided that since my Corolla needs new brake fluid, I would
>just use DOT4 to replace the current DOT3 fluid. I've built a homebrew
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
>just want to be sure ALL of the DOT3 fluid is replaced. Thanks.

Just my $0.02 but, I would not introduce air into the system
if at all possible. This would be a particularly bad idea
if you have ABS because it can be difficult to get it all
out. Your best bet and the only way I have ever seen
recommended is using only fresh fluid from a sealed
container and make sure enough has been passed through each
bleader to completely clear the coloration of the fluid. If
it has been a long time since they were flushed, you may
expect some leakage somewhere after driving a while as the
flushing process can dislodge debris in the system which
cannot be reliably expelled by flushing. Don't worry about
the smal amount of DOT3 remaining in the system. Even if
you blow through it overnite, you won't be assured of
removing all of it any more than just a good fluid flushing.

Lugnut

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stevelibert@gmail.com - 15 Jun 2006 20:50 GMT

Just finished. Didnt flush out..just used extra amount of DOT4 to be
sure all DOT3 was gone and out. DOT3 stuff was amber colored. DOT4 is
almost clear. No problems. Thanks.

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