Time for a brake fluid change

[twig]

Took my car in for new shoes yesterday and was told (amongst a few other things) that the brake fluid is VERY dark and wants changing. So, providing the weather's nice over the weekend (long shot I know), I'm going to give it a go.

Now, the Haynes manual says brake fluid capacity is 2 litres but as far as I can tell, nobody actually sells brake fluid in 2L bottles - just 1l & 5l. Any idea how much I'll actually need as I know it doesn't keep for long once it's opened.

Cheers

 

[andyj]

I'd get 2 x 1L bottles, and run about 0.5L through each brake calliper.... that way you should get 99% of the old fluid out, and replaced with new.

 

[M1KEH]

Let me know how it goes , think i might do mine soon too.

 

[twig]

Let me know how it goes , think i might do mine soon too.

Not too good, actually. one of the rear bleed valves was either broken before I started, or I broke it. Anyway, it's sheared off now. It was leaking quite a lot while I bled it anyway so I guess that's a sign that I'm not to blame.

Hopefully getting some new ones tomorrow. Anyone got any recommendations for getting it out from the hole in the back of the wheel hub? I'm thinking either screw extractors or hammering a flat screwdriver in. I'm hoping to avoid actually removing the hub but we'll see tonight if that's posisble or not...

 

[andyj]

screw extractor should do the job if you've got one. If not, try un-doing it with a flat bladed screw driver, by using it as a 'chisel' to un-do the remnants of the nipple.