Final Word on Brake Flush?

[cdiver]

Ok, I have searched [brake flush] the NICO boards, and I have found scattered parts of information, but I’m a DIY guy that needs things spelled out for him.

1. Is a brake flush a DIY item? (yes, I will use Valvoline SYN) All the cost savings in the world is not worth an accident from brake failure. I have in the past changed pads, on my old van, my not on my Q.

2. Does the car have two be running when I depress the brake pedal to flush/bleed?

3. The service manual on BR-4 specifies a bleed order when flushing the brake system – will this procedure also flush the fluid from my ABS unit?

4. Do I remove all of the fluid from the reservoir tank first with a turkey bester, then refill with the new fluid?

5. Are the “bleeding kits”, which are a plastic hose and cup worth the $ or the time to use them?

6. Someone said in a post to flush the system with water? Can’t I just use the valvoline Syn instead? I’m not comfortable in using water, even if brake fluid is water soluble.

7. I use a flare wrench, right, What size do I use?

8. Is there a check list anywhere or a protocol for flushing the brakes on a Q?

Thanks everyone,

Stephen

[DAEDALUS]

1. Yes2. No3. Not sure4. You can, or just flush it all through on the first brake5. Depends...the "speed bleeder" valves are more valuable IMO6. Who said that?7. 10mm I think8. Manual is the best source

[reggiegsd]

Flushing your brake system with water really would be the "Final Word on Brake Flush."

[maxnix]

Should have seen the recommended speed bleeders in the posts.

By the way, I use the ATE Blue fluid. Always good for a comment from the techs.

[firstq]

I used MityVac's tool - it was a breeze, once you fit the system, the job was total 10 minutes for all lines. The tool was $45 shipped.

You probably know this - the ABS has two valves as well for flushing the fluid

GoodLuck.

[cdiver]

First all, many thanks to those who answered my Q's. I have looked for, but could not find, the post where someone suggested I flush with water. Either it was late and I was too tired, or I simply can't find it!!

I have considered the pressure bleed tools, but at last one person commented that it was not good for the piston. I don't know, except to say I'd rather not buy a piece of equipment for something I plan on doing only once a year.

Also, fistq mentioned the valves on the ABS unit - do I need to flush the unit as well, or will the general flush on the system (e.g., bleeding via the calipers) be sufficient to change all of the fluid in the brake system. What do the tech say - does you run-of-the-mill brake flush also flush the fluid from the ABS???

Thanks,

Stephen

[PalmerWMD]

If u can find that post let me know, so I can delete it, and email the poster w/ a request to proofread his posts.

Fred...

[Q45tech]

"does you run-of-the-mill brake flush also flush the fluid from the ABS???"

Not really why you have to do multiple flushes if the system fluid changes color soon or use the factory ABS test box to dump the accumulators.

Water in the system will destroy the seals!

[911/Q45]

One more pitch for the Griot's Garage vacuum brake bleeder. Best $70 I ever spent!

[cdiver]

So, Q45 Tech, are you saying that its not possible to flush the ABS unless you have factory ABS test box to dump the accumulators? If not, what is the alternate proceedure to flush the ABS as well as the rest of the brake system? With the vacuum brake bleeders also change the flulid in the ABS/accumulators?

Thanks,

Stephen

[911/Q45]

If you attach the vacuum bleeder to the two fittings on the ABS block you should get most of the fluid changed out.

[EWT]

I'll add another vote for speedbleeders. I used to flushthe brake system several times a month on my other car for track events. Speedbleeders are much faster and easier than a Mityvac, which I used before Speedbleeders. A Mityvac is handy to have around for other purposes though.

[greg_atlanta]

Watching T-3 flush my braking system using the vacuum bleeder tool with all 4 wheels off on a lift (in about 20 minutes) made me NEVER want to learn how to do it myself in the driveway.

Time is money!!!

[firstq]

My ABS unit was leaking, I flushed it twice using the mightyvac with valvoline synthetic and it is holding up real tight - no more fluid leaking around the ABS pump area (have been like this for the last 3-4 months) - flushing the ABS pump using the bleeder valves on it worked for me.

Thanks

[Q451990]

I always noticed that the leak on my old ABS unit was much worse in cold temperatures... hope the flush fixed something in your case, but I'd still be saving for a reman next winter.

Heath

[EWT]

Watching T-3 flush my braking system using the vacuum bleeder tool with all 4 wheels off on a lift (in about 20 minutes) made me NEVER want to learn how to do it myself in the driveway.

Time is money!!!

I'm betting I can flush mine about 5 times in the time it takes you to drive there, wait for service, pay the bill and drive home.

[cdiver]

Where are the bleeder valves on the ABS? I got a SM, but I haven't found any thing but the connections to the ABS unit.

Stehpen

[911/Q45]

They are right on top and look just like the bleeders on the calipers. The ABS unit itself is right in front of the firewall on the passenger side.

[EWT]

They are right on top and look just like the bleeders on the calipers. The ABS unit itself is right in front of the firewall on the passenger side.

I'm pretty sure my 93 had the bleeders you're describing, but my 95 does not. They must have gotten deleted at some point in the model run.

[cdiver]

Sorry, but I've got a 94 Q and it doesn't look like I have bleeder on my ABS Unit. See Pic's

[cdiver]

Sorry, the JPEG files are too big. I'll try an email them to you.

S.