Brake fluid drain and refill

[charlE30]

I haven't changed brake fluid before and feel the time is now. Can anyone give me a guide/tips etc to doing this as both the Bently and haynes manuals are very vague about getting the old fluid out.

I'm hoping this will improve the feel of the brakes as mine are quite heavy compared to my girlfriends 325 tourer.

Cheers chaps and I hope you all have a great day tomorrow.

Charlie

P.S I did use the search function and couldn't find the answer I was looking for....

[Templ8e30]

Start at the rear of the car, proceed as you would do if bleeding all the brakes but keep topping up the reservoir and keep bleeding until fresh fluid comes out. The old stuff is invariably darker than the new stuff.

ATE super blue is great in that you can spot the new fluid over the old, new will be a lovely blue colour

Cheers,

Iain T

[charlE30]

Cheers Iain

I'm going to try and get hold of the ATE super blue today, would you happen to know the required quantity for a complete fluid change?

Cheers

Charlie

[Brianmoooore]

Syringe as much of the old fluid out of the resevoir as you can and top up with the new fluid before you bleed anything, add the new fluid as carefully as possible to avoid mixing it with the old.
Don't forget the clutch fluid as well while you're at it!

[charlE30]

Thanks Brian, got my tools together including a good sized syringe, would you happen to know approx how much fluid I'll need to do both? I've got to go out and buy some and have no idea how much to get.

Cheers

Charlie

[biggav]

you should be fine with a litre of fluid for a complete change, most motor factors will sell a one man bleed kit which forces new fluid through the system using the air pressure from the spare wheel, iirc its called Ezi Bleed.
Absolute godsend if on your own and very easy to use

dont get it anywhere near the paintwork and if you do rinse it heavily with water.

[charlE30]

Already got an Ezi bleed kit from somewhere just need to pop out and get some fluid, 1 litre it is then

Cheers

Charlie

[Brianmoooore]

Brake fluid doesn't keep well once the can has been opened, so always buy it in relatively small containers.

[charlE30]

Brake fluid doesn't keep well once the can has been opened, so always buy it in relatively small containers.

Just got back with a litre of fluid, I'll date the bottle for future reference. Approx how long would you say an opened bottle should be OK for?

[charlE30]

all done, cheers chaps the brakes feel like they should again..

Charlie