Replacing my master brake cylinder and I want to flush the system and use all new fluid. Can anyone point me to a how to on this topic or explain how to flush fill and bleed the system. Also what is a good brake fluid that is not terribly expensive?

Thanks

 

Just loosen the bleeder valves on the brake calipers in order from furthest away from the cylinder to the closest. First loosen the RR valve, and pump the brake several times until fluid stops coming out. You can run some fresh fluid into the reservoir and pump it all through if you want to clean out the old fluid better. Then tighten the valve, and goto the RL, and do the same thing. Then the FR, then the FL. After that, fill the reservoir with DOT 3 fluid(any DOT 3 fluid is fine for street driving)and loosen the valve. Have somebody stand by the valve with a wrench waiting. If you want you can connect a tube from the valve into a container. Anyways, pump the brake until fluid starts coming out. I usually pump 3-4 times after fluid starts coming out, or if you have a tube going into a container, keep pumping until your fried says there are no more air bubbles in the tube. Then pump the brake a final time and hold the brake pedal at the bottom of its travel. Then tell your friend to close the valve. Repeat procedure on the RL, then FR, to FL. Thats all there is too it.

 

DOT 3 or DOT 4 is fine to mix with one another, and both work fine.
IMO, I use FORD heavy duty brake fluid. It stands for more heat in the lines before boiling.
Sean Cathcart

 

ck out http://mrmazda.members.atlantic.net.cartech.html

 

sorry, here's the correct one.

http://mrmazda.members.atlantic.net/cartech.html#TRAPS

 

Carrol Smith had good things to say about the ford heavy duty fluid in one of his books, he says it's specially formulated to resist heat when being used in auto tranny cars where the driver rides the brake constantly with left foot due to being a moron.

Also, you might want to look into getting a set of speed bleeders (k2rd has them) Basically they are replacement bleed screws, with a one-way valve built in so you don't have to do the on/off thing with the wrench. They're nice for brakes, and REAALLLY nice for the clutch slave since it's stuck down in there where it is.

 

Thanks guys.

 

Does your car have ABS? Mine does. I started with the RR brake and had a problem (kept getting bubbles) so I went to the LR brake. I did this one and then went back to the RR brake. Problem solved. THen THe RF and finally the LF corner. THere was plenty of air in mine because I just went to SS lines. I did this with a friend. It makes the job much quicker. Of course, I don't have the speed bleed valves but working with a friend is more fun.

jerk_racer@hotmail.com

 

man i had to do this and i was done in an hour. what a bitch of a job though.

 

To Jeff88,don't forget you have to bleed the master cylinder BEFORE you start to bleed the lines(assuming you put another master cylinder on the car

 

Yeah I plan on bench bleeding the mas. cyl. It same with plugs, a hose and instructions. I was amazed. Any other reccomendations on a good brake fluid? The Ford HD fluid sounds like it is best for the price.


The car is non-ABS.


Thanks for all the help fellas. Much appreciated.

 

http://www.speedbleeder.com

I just picked up some for my RX7 and other cars. I hope that they work as advertised. All 13(3cars&1clutch) speedbleeders will be installed this weekend.
Six Rotors is right. I vaguely remember bench bleeding new master cylinders prior to installation. Haven't replaced one in a long time.

Available at http://www.k2rd.com/Online_Catalog/FC3S/FC3S-index.htm

 

Hard to believe that Ford brake fluid is one of the best!!
But, it has been recommended by various car magazines over the years and is definitely priced right. I am antiFord because my moms '97 Taurus is a lemon.

I have been using Valvoline synpower brake fluid for a while now and am extremely happy with it. It seems to stay clear the longest.
Plus, I haven't replaced a wheel cylinder/caliper/master cylinder in years.
Before the valvoline, I was using Castrol GT LMA and didn't have any problems. Regular brake fluid changes helped also. I vacuumed/refilled the master cylinder with each oil change. Osmosis took care of the rest. And I only bleed brakes with pad or part changes.