Unlock the Secrets of Brake Bleeding: ECS Tuning Shows You How
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Importance of Bleeding or Flushing Your Hydraulic Brake System
- When to Bleed the Brakes
- How to Check the Fluid Level in the Master Cylinder Fluid Reservoir
- The Traditional Way to Bleed Brakes: Pedal Bleeding
- The Preferred Method: Pressure Bleeding
- How to Pressure Bleed Your Brake System
- The Benefits of Pressure Bleeding
- Switching Between Conventional and Colored Brake Fluid
- Tips for a Successful Brake System Flush
- Conclusion
2. The Importance of Bleeding or Flushing Your Hydraulic Brake System 😊
Brakes are an essential part of your vehicle's safety system, and it's crucial to ensure they are working optimally at all times. Over time, the hydraulic brake system can accumulate air bubbles, debris, and moisture, compromising its effectiveness. This is where bleeding or flushing the brakes becomes essential.
The hydraulic brake system needs to be bled whenever it has been opened for repairs or upgrades. For example, if you've installed new brake hoses or a brake kit from TCS Tuning, you need to bleed the system to refill all the vital components with fresh fluid and remove any air. Additionally, periodic flushing is necessary to remove old fluid and moisture from the brake system, protecting the hydraulic components from corrosion.
Fresh brake fluid contains additives such as corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, and pH stabilizers. Over time, these additives get depleted and need to be replenished to ensure the system's protection. Old brake fluid becomes acidic and corrosive, leading to seal and hardware damage. Symptoms of brake fluid issues include fluid leaks, seized pistons, or even complete system failure.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. Moisture in the brake system can result in various problems, including long-term corrosive damage and sudden loss of braking power. To avoid such issues, it's crucial to use fresh, moisture-free brake fluid from a sealed container. Make sure to only use clean brake fluid and prevent any dirt or petroleum-based liquids from entering the brake system.
Most vehicles require DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, although most DOT 4 fluids are compatible with DOT 3 systems. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual and the fluid label for specific requirements. It's essential to check the fluid level in the master cylinder fluid reservoir during periodic maintenance, as the fluid level may drop slightly when brake pads wear. Topping off the fluid level between pad replacements maintains it at the correct level. However, be mindful that some fluid may need to be removed to prevent overflow during pad replacements.
In the next section, we will discuss the traditional way of bleeding brakes, known as pedal bleeding, along with its limitations.
