Autoparts

According to the owner’s manual, that brake fluid should be changed every 20,000 miles or less. It can be done at home or do I have to take a workshop?

Answer

Your vehicle brake fluid should be changed on a regular basis. Each year, it is not necessary, but the fluid should be changed at least every two years. Although the brake fluid in it never goes wrong, it is hydroscopic, which means that it tends to absorb moisture - something that supposed to do anyway. But there is not much moisture in the fluid less effective. The heat generated by the normal, and above all, hard braking causes the moisture in the liquid boils and causes brake fade. Worse, the brake fluid that is contaminated with moisture and dirt (if it comes to moisture, dirt will get in the system) can have a detrimental effect on the braking systems used by anti brakes -blockade. The contaminants can ruin the delicate innards of these systems, which are very expensive to repair.

Unable to stop moisture from entering the brake system because the ventilation system. The brake hoses are also used rubber permeable. Each time you open the master cylinder to check or add fluid absorbs moisture. Because pollution is a very, very slow, is not something to worry about, but washing your brake system is good to add to your list of maintenance of the car.

  
Will have some hose to fit on the brake bleed valve (preferably light), a container to catch the liquid, a purge valve for brakes, and a can of brake cleaner spray. You also need one or two containers of brake fluid again. Brake fluid DOT 3 is classified as a (minimum boiling point of 400-degrees), DOT 4 (450-degrees), and DOT 5 or 5.1 (500 degrees). Almost all cars use DOT 3 or 4: DOT does not use the 5.1 or 5 silicone brake fluids. Which are not compatible with the fluids regularly and have several disadvantages that make them unsuitable for use on the street (some racing use).

Clean the master cylinder by spraying with brake cleaner. This eliminates the possibility of dirt entering the system. Open the cylinder and remove the old fluid (a turkey Baster works well here). Fill the bottle with the new fluid.

Next take the car up so you can have access to each brake. Slightly loosen the bleed valve. Always use a pipe wrench - Regular keys not work. If you can not loosen the valve, try some penetrating oil for heating, or even increase it. A propane torch works here (a lighter, but will do so in a pinch). Hopefully, that will be enough. If you manage to snap the bleed screw out, you’re in a bit of trouble.

  
Most cars today have a diagonal-split system and you must work with each diagonal (eg, the front wheel left and right rear wheel can be operated from one of the reservoirs in the master cylinder and the right front and rear left of the other. Some vehicles have a front and rear split). If you do not know, just start with a wheel and then another.
You will need a helper to do this successfully, although there is a person available kits brake bleeding. The way that I have is the assistant to the press on the brake pedal to my call. To avoid bottoming-pedal completely, place a small piece of wood behind the brake pedal. When the assistant presses on the pedal as far as it can go, he’s loud “Down.” As the pedal is pushed down to open the brake bleed valve so that the old fluid in the container. When the wizard asks that the pedal does not respond immediately to close the valve.

Repeat the process until the liquid is clear is that (you will need to fill the master cylinder several times). Then go to the next wheel and repeat the process.

  
Cars with anti-lock brakes may require slightly different in the rear brakes. Because the system is pressurized, turn to his assistant in the car, press the brake pedal, turn off the ignition and then just rest your foot on the pedal. Open the drain valve and let the liquid flow for about ten seconds or less. Close the valve and add some more fluid in the master cylinder.

In some systems, the assistant may have to continue pressing the pedal to the liquid of age.

  
After finished, have your assistant step on the brakes two or three dozen times to drain the reservoir of high pressure in the ABS systems. This will increase the liquid level in the brake master cylinder. When it stops growing, you’re done. To get rid of the brake warning lamp is going to be at this time, the passage of the brakes hard.

You do not need to do this every time your vehicle has a brake job, but every third time is a good idea (if you keep the vehicle longer).