Brake flushing v. Bleeding

[TheBoatDude]

Right, then...

I’m sure I know the answer, but I’m not completely sure...regardless, I may be pushing the “there’s no such thing as a stupid question” concept.

Might be facing a brake job, which would include upgrading to braided stainless brake lines, which would necessitate bleeding the brakes. At the same time, I need to do a brake flush. My logic tells me these are largely the same process (pressurize the system with new brake fluid) and uses the same equipment (wrench, brake fluid flush device) but with different desired outcomes: bleeding removes air bubbles and flushing changes the fluid. Am I right to assume this, or am I suffering a logic failure?

Also, with flushing, I’ve seen where they refer to fluid color to determine if you ave all new fluid...how do you do that with the same color fluids?

Thank you!

 

[t-tony]

When using a “pressure” bleeder you simply watch the fluid exiting the system and as soon as the new fluid stars to come out you will see how cleaner and clearer it looks. The complete system will take less than 1litre to change out the fluid. Make sure all bleed screws are free to turn and clear of dirt, rust etc. before starting. You can buy brake fluid condition testers which will tell the state of your brake fluid.

Tony.

 

[Steve Medlock]

Having tried things like the Gunson Ezebleed etc, I can recommend this one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-VS8...ds=brake+bleeder+sealey&qid=1578501359&sr=8-1

......although it may not be available in CA of course !

 

[t-tony]

That’s what we use at the Shed Steve. Great bit of kit.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

I mark a jam jar at 250ml and work to that on each corner. Which is Tony’s 1 litre.

You might well argue a fluid change is just a long brake bleed. And certainly you should make sure there’s no air coming through which is entirely possible if you’ve opened the bleed nipple far enough. Which you might well have done to pass the fluid through at a decent rate.

 

[ViperKen]

Sorry about jumping on your thread, but I have a question. I will be replacing front brake calipers on my 1.9 M44 and according to my display a brake fluid flush/change is also required. My question is, is there a set sequence for bleeding/flushing the lines ie which wheel 1st, 2nd etc

 

[Stevo7682]

@ViperKen .
You are meant to start with the brake furthest away from the master cylinder and work round back to the nearest one.
Stephen.

 

[t-tony]

Also Ken if you have access to a pressure bleeder it's better to use that rather than pumping the master cylinder full stroke where you send the piston and seals to places they've never been before. By that I mean the stroke of the master cylinder under normal use is only a fraction of the full stroke you need when bleeding.

Tony.

 

[ViperKen]

Hi all, just received my pressure bleeder, the Sealy one. Can anyone advise on the pressure required for the bleeder. I have searched for the correct pressure but keep getting different values, thanks

 

[t-tony]

Hi all, just received my pressure bleeder, the Sealy one. Can anyone advise on the pressure required for the bleeder. I have searched for the correct pressure but keep getting different values, thanks

Morning Ken, this is the gauge on my pressure bleeder. I use it at 20psi.

Tony.

 

[ViperKen]

Morning Ken, this is the gauge on my pressure bleeder. I use it at 20psi.
View attachment 179420

Tony.

Thanks Tony