Brake fluid change <> brake fluid flush!

***ColinD*** · 20-01-2004, 15:24

All,

Quick question, just been into the local garage and asked for a full flush of brake fluid to brand x, which is not compatible with present. Was told I only need a 1 litre bottle. I though as have others that the system is 1.75 litres.

A change/top up I can see 1 litre being enough. I cannot see it if the whole system is to be flushed.

Do I need to use a different term from flushed?

Drained, emptied, changed, put all of this 2litre bottle in that car and wipe the excess off?

Please shed light and earn a virtual reputation point.

Thanks in advance from a slightly confused person.

***ncarring*** · 20-01-2004, 15:27

Agree. If not compatible it needs to be completely flushed out. How exactly you do that without some mixing of the fluids in the process escapes me, other than draining the system which you DON'T want to do as getting the air out again will be a nightmare.

I would go with your 2 litre idea and tell em to use it all. If it was a different colour that would help...

Lummox · 20-01-2004, 19:57

When replacing DOT4 fluid with DOT 5.1 I usually use around 2 litres which is the capacity of our pressure bleeder.

I bleed out plenty (usually about 300mls at least) of fluid from each caliper to ensure all the old fluid has been bled though.

Remember to mark the cap for future referance that 5.1 has been used.

SimonT · 21-01-2004, 10:10

So can anyone give a definitive answer to this one? Although I'm only replacing with Super DOT4 (ie compatible with what’s already in there), I would be disappointed if 30-odd% percent of the fluid in the system was old fluid. What will a Skoda garage do?

Real Skoda · 21-01-2004, 10:26

They should flush the system with your new fluid. Usually the change over takes about 1.75 to 2 litres. If they use less than 1.5 litres they haven't doneit properly. (system capacity is 1.75l.)

Also your brakes should not feel spongey if it's just a fluid change, if they do, get them to re-bleed them.

Those of you putting Ferodos on - please read the instructions re bedding them in that come in the box. If you don't you will find they don't worlk as well and become prone to glazing.

SkodiRS · 21-01-2004, 10:37

With regards to glazing....will grooved discs/disks help?

Real Skoda · 21-01-2004, 13:28

Yes, they will, the grooves remove some of the sheen from the pad

SimonT · 12-02-2004, 09:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Real Skoda

They should flush the system with your new fluid. Usually the change over takes about 1.75 to 2 litres. If they use less than 1.5 litres they haven't doneit properly. (system capacity is 1.75l.)

The plot thickens: I've just spoken to a dealer who says that they use two bottles during a change. "How much is in a bottle?" I ask, expecting to hear 1L, but the reply comes back "250ml". Ouch. So a normal change at a Skoda main dealer is 500ml.

What do you think of that then, boys and girls?

Steve vRS · 12-02-2004, 10:32

My dealer changed and flushed my system with AP Racing fluid and used almost 2L. There is probably enough left in one bottle to do a brake bleed.

Another garage "changed" the fluid and used less than a litre

thats why I took it back to the dealer!

Steve

SimonT · 12-02-2004, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve vRS

My dealer changed and flushed my system with AP Racing fluid and used almost 2L. There is probably enough left in one bottle to do a brake bleed.

Another garage "changed" the fluid and used less than a litre

thats why I took it back to the dealer!

Steve

OK, I'll take a couple of litres into my local dealer, and make a nuisance of myself until I get what I want! Which is, AFAIK, new fluid in as much of the system as possible, especially the calipers.

20-01-2004, 15:24	#1
*ColinD* Site owner Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Hill & Mountains of North Wales Posts: 10,206 Thanks: 18 Thanked 137 Times in 69 Posts	Brake fluid change <> brake fluid flush! All, Quick question, just been into the local garage and asked for a full flush of brake fluid to brand x, which is not compatible with present. Was told I only need a 1 litre bottle. I though as have others that the system is 1.75 litres. A change/top up I can see 1 litre being enough. I cannot see it if the whole system is to be flushed. Do I need to use a different term from flushed? Drained, emptied, changed, put all of this 2litre bottle in that car and wipe the excess off? Please shed light and earn a virtual reputation point. Thanks in advance from a slightly confused person. __________________ ColinD - 97/100 Limited Edition Octavia vRS < For Sale www.BRISKODA.net :: Site Owner. E-Mail : webmaster at briskoda dot net Got a comment to make about the site? Please feel free to use the feedback form here, we welcome your views.

20-01-2004, 15:27	#2
*ncarring* Don't talk, drive! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The B roads of Britain Posts: 12,870 Thanks: 15 Thanked 86 Times in 74 Posts	Agree. If not compatible it needs to be completely flushed out. How exactly you do that without some mixing of the fluids in the process escapes me, other than draining the system which you DON'T want to do as getting the air out again will be a nightmare. I would go with your 2 litre idea and tell em to use it all. If it was a different colour that would help... __________________ Nick

20-01-2004, 19:57	#3
Lummox Hairy Yeti Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 21,417 Thanks: 19 Thanked 574 Times in 502 Posts	When replacing DOT4 fluid with DOT 5.1 I usually use around 2 litres which is the capacity of our pressure bleeder. I bleed out plenty (usually about 300mls at least) of fluid from each caliper to ensure all the old fluid has been bled though. Remember to mark the cap for future referance that 5.1 has been used. __________________ Unit 18 now open Servicing, repairs, modifications you name it we do it. Cupra console bushes at special price, PM for a very competitive quote.

21-01-2004, 10:37	#6
SkodiRS BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: darkest Hampshire Posts: 8,650 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	With regards to glazing....will grooved discs/disks help? __________________ Adrian.

12-02-2004, 10:32	#9
Steve vRS Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Cumbria and Cheshire Posts: 1,145 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	My dealer changed and flushed my system with AP Racing fluid and used almost 2L. There is probably enough left in one bottle to do a brake bleed. Another garage "changed" the fluid and used less than a litre thats why I took it back to the dealer! Steve __________________ From Tavia vRS 230bhp to Impreza WRX STi Version V Type R to Clio 182 Cup and now a vRS TDi Octy II in Lightning McQueen Red

21-01-2004, 10:10	#4
SimonT Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,174 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	So can anyone give a definitive answer to this one? Although I'm only replacing with Super DOT4 (ie compatible with what’s already in there), I would be disappointed if 30-odd% percent of the fluid in the system was old fluid. What will a Skoda garage do?

21-01-2004, 10:26	#5
Real Skoda BANNED Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southend Posts: 522 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	They should flush the system with your new fluid. Usually the change over takes about 1.75 to 2 litres. If they use less than 1.5 litres they haven't doneit properly. (system capacity is 1.75l.) Also your brakes should not feel spongey if it's just a fluid change, if they do, get them to re-bleed them. Those of you putting Ferodos on - please read the instructions re bedding them in that come in the box. If you don't you will find they don't worlk as well and become prone to glazing.

21-01-2004, 13:28	#7
Real Skoda BANNED Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southend Posts: 522 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Yes, they will, the grooves remove some of the sheen from the pad

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