Why you need to flush brake fluid and how much it costs
To keep your vehicle running at its best, there are many maintenance tasks that need to be performed regularly. One of the most important tasks to perform is to flush your brake fluid regularly. What does flushing brake fluid involve, and why is it important?
In this article, we’ll explain this important maintenance task and evaluate its costs. We’ll also walk you through the steps to perform a brake fluid flush at home. What is a brake fluid change? When you change your brake fluid, all the old, contaminated fluid is removed from the system. It is replaced with new, clean fluid to ensure great braking performance. Brake fluid changes are typically done every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first.
It is equally important to check your brake fluid levels regularly. If your system does not have enough clean brake fluid, performance issues can occur and your safety can be at risk.
Why does my car need a brake fluid flush?
The braking system contains many working components that must work in harmony for optimal performance. Whether your car has disc brakes on all four wheels or drum brakes on the rear wheels, each brake is always connected to a master cylinder by pipes and hoses.
When you press the brake pedal, a piston is forced into the master cylinder, which forces brake fluid through the connected hoses to the brakes at each wheel. In disc brakes, this fluid is pumped into the brake caliper, which exerts pressure on the pistons that cause the brake pads to grip the discs and slow the wheels. With drum brakes, fluid is forced into the wheel cylinder, where the brake shoes apply pressure against the drum to stop movement. Either way, fluid is needed for braking force.
Over time, the parts of your brake system start to wear down. Dirt, rust, rubber, condensation, and other contaminants flake off and get into the brake fluid. When brake fluid gets dirty, it reduces the brakes’ effectiveness and stops them from working properly. Additionally, brake fluid is considered hygroscopic. It absorbs moisture over time, making it less effective. Additionally, metal parts do not tolerate this moisture very well and can corrode easily.
Signs that your car needs a brake fluid flush
1. Mileage
There is a lot of debate about how often brake fluid flushes should be performed, but most car manufacturers provide recommendations in their service manuals. If you’re unsure, it’s best to stick to the 30,000 mile or 2 year standard.
Routine maintenance schedules vary widely depending on your driving style. If you commute in city areas where you use your brakes a lot, you may need to flush them more frequently than someone who drives daily on the highway.
2. Spongy brake pedal
If your brake pedal feels spongy or loose when you press it, it’s a good time to change your brake fluid. If the problem is not fixed, the pedal can be pushed all the way to the floor, which can be very dangerous.
When the fluid level drops and becomes contaminated, air can get into the system. As a result, the brakes will not respond as they should.
3. ABS Light
The anti-lock braking system prevents the wheels from locking if traction is lost. There is an ABS warning light on the dashboard that indicates there is a problem with the system.
If the brake fluid level is low or badly contaminated, the ABS light may come on. The system will also shut down to compensate for the lack of braking power.
4. Reduced Brake Performance
Under normal circumstances, your brakes work quickly and efficiently. There should be no delay when you press the brake pedal to stop. If so, your brake fluid may need to be changed.
However, performance issues could also be related to worn brake pads, warped rotors, or worn other components. If you’re not sure, it’s best to have someone check your braking system.
5. Strange noises and odors
If you have problems with your braking system, it could be due to worn components or a lack of brake fluid. You may also hear scraping or scratching noises, which are usually signs of worn parts.
If you smell a burning smell when you apply the brakes, it could also be that the fluid is burning due to dirt. However, if you smell a burning smell, you should always stop and determine the cause to ensure your safety.
How to perform a brake fluid flush
1. Drain the old brake fluid
You need to drain all the old fluid from the master cylinder. The system doesn’t have a drain plug, so you’ll need to use a siphon or transfer pump.
If that doesn’t work, use a larger syringe or baster. Continue draining until the container is empty. This step should be performed with the engine off and in Park. Also, make sure there is no pressure on the brake pedal.
2. Fill and bleed the system
Fill the reservoir with new brake fluid. Bleed the system the same way you would if you were installing a new brake caliper.
Starting at the rear of the car, bleed the brake fluid from the two rear brake calipers or wheel cylinders. Press the brake pedal and open the corresponding bleed screw. When the pedal reaches the floor, close the bleed screw and release the pedal. Continue this process until all air has been removed from the system.
Once you’ve completed the rear brakes, move on to the front brakes. Perform the same procedure with the front brakes.
3. Top Off & Test
After you bleed each wheel, you must check the master cylinder reservoir to see if more fluid should be added. Additionally, you must top off the system once you are finished bleeding the brakes.
Before you head out on the open road, take a short test drive of your vehicle. It’s best to find an empty parking lot or somewhere uninhabited to test the brakes out before using them in the real world.
