changing brake fluid

[gaz1]

Are there any special issues/tricks involved with replacing the brake fluid in an NM that has ABS?

My thinking would be to follow a normal bleeding procedure for each wheel, without allowing air to enter via too low a level in the master reservoir. Get the old fluid as low as safely possible in the reservoir on one wheel before putting any new stuff in, then work around the wheels until new fluid is coming out of the bleeder.

Gaz

[jace]

I had to replace my fluid a few months ago for my roadworthy.

All pretty straight forward really the bleeders are easy to access etc.

One idea is to empty the master cylinder with a big syringe and fill it up with the new fluid before you do any bleeding. That way you spend less time on the floor and there is less chance of getting air in the system. It also helps to keep the old fluid from contaminating the new stuff in the master cylinder.

As soon as the fluid coming out of the bleeder on each wheel changes colour you are done.

I don?t have an ABS system so can?t help you there but can?t see how it would make a difference.

[Eastie]

As jace said, try to get as much of the old stuff out of the reservoir first, it will save you time. Haven't done this on the paj yet, but there may be a sequence to follow given ABS and there's the possibility of being abs bleed screws for the front and back in addition to the one at each brake caliper. There will likely also be an instruction to do each wheel in a particular sequence. I haven't got the manual handy but someone will have.

[gaz1]

Thanks fellas, I've had a look at the manual and its method seems to mainly be aimed at getting rid of air in the system, rather than just pushing fresh fluid through so it talks a lot about issues to do with the accumulator - but I figure if there's no air in the system, the normal procedure should be OK. The idea of the syringe is good, I'll use that to reduce the reservoir level before I start.

The sequence for RHD vehicles is left rear, right front, right rear, left front and I'm going to give it a go sometime next week. I'll file a report on any problems encountered.

Gaz

[psproule]

Bleeding on the ABS is the same as any other. Just start from the caliper furthest from the master cyl and work your way around. The main concern with ABS is when changing pads and forcing the calipers (and thus the fluid) back.

[gaz1]

Thanks Pat, I hoped that would be the case.

Gaz

[marquis]

http://140.99.20.180/forum/showpost.php?p=5943&postcount=7

[dolphin]

all said but, i have never heard of having to change brake fluid for an RWC.

[gaz1]

Just wanting to clarify....the ignition switch is only turned on for the front brakes and for step 10? Not for the rears?

Thanks

Gaz

[Matatak]

Just wanting to clarify....the ignition switch is only turned on for the front brakes and for step 10? Not for the rears?

Thanks

Gaz

Did you read steps 7, 8, and 9? and understand them?

[gaz1]

Yes that is why I sought clarification, I understood what they said but want to be sure there was no inconsistency.

Gaz

[marquis]

When I last changed the fluid, the front brakes required the brake electric pump to be running to push the fluid through. Yours any different? (I have ABS)

[gaz1]

I'll be doing it hopefully this week some time, and will let you know how it goes.

Gaz

[Matatak]

Yes that is why I sought clarification, I understood what they said but want to be sure there was no inconsistency.

Gaz

So you didnt understand it ?

Steps 7, 8 and 9 tell you to repeat steps 3 to 6.
steps 4 is where you turn the ignition on and off....which just so happens to be within steps 3 to 6 (3, 4, 5, 6)

is that clearer, meaning Yes you do turn the ignition on for all the brakes.

(just to clarify here i'm not having a go at you)

Cheers
Matt

[gaz1]

Life got in the way and I've only just done the fluid change today....followed Marquis's description and no problems at all. I found it easiest to take the front wheels off, the bleeder nipple is quite close to the rim and getting the auto bleeder hose and lock onto them would have been too fiddly. Rears have more clearance.

Gaz