Brakes

[will]

Hi Guys

 

A quick question about bleeding the brakes. I was talking to someone at the weekend and he said that it is a good idea to flush the system out with meths before filling with fluid. Is this common practice?

 

I'm not at this stage yet but thought I would ask to find out what some of you did.

 

 

Many thanks

 

 

 

Will

[Guest paul thompson]

I've never heard of that. I guess that the meths would evaporate, but I would be worried about weather there was any left in the system, it may not be comaptable with the brake fluid. No OEM's do that, the cost would be prohibitive and not at all necessary.

[will]

so is it just a matter of filling it up and bleeding it - job done!

[Guest Dredd]

Just have plenty of fluid on standby! Mine took loads

[Guest chris brown]

Will

Meths used to be the way to clean out break systems but I have not heard of anyone using it for years. I think the best way is to use lots of dot 4 or 5 (break and clutch fluid) and ensure that the fluid which is coming through the system and out of the bleed nipples is clean. I think the cheapest way to buy break fluid is in 5ltr can from a motor factor

[Guest Fred2b]

Will

If you have used the Sierra master cylinder like I have then it is probably very dirty. I used meths to wash it out and left it to dry overnight before fitting and filling. You can now see the fluid level clearly and it looks almost new. No problems so far.

Peter

[Guest Mike Perry]

I need to clean out the master cylinder which I have left with fluid in it to keep the seals moist.

Can I use meths to clean this out and is it safe for the seals?

[Peter Bell]

Mike, meths will be ok with the seals do not use anything that is mineral oil based though, like WD 40 or similar. Why not just use clean brake fluid?

Peter.

[Guest Mike Perry]

Thanks for the advice Peter

 

Clean brake fluid it is then.

[Guest Bob Rowell]

Peter is right Mike, use clean fluid to flush the complete system. If you have anyone local who can lend you a pressure bleeder, that is the most effective way to flush and bleed without needing an assistant.

[will]

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

I'm gonna get me lots of brake fluid and a pressure bleeder.

 

 

Will

[e666]

Hi Will

 

did my brakes B4 xmas, took about a bottle and a bits worth (the ones supplied by RH). I did buy a pressure bleeding kit that claimed to have a universal fitting for the resovoir lid ...... unfortunately the 4 lids in the kit didn't fit the girling res I have :boohoo: (there was a note telling me I could go on-line and buy other lids)..... so I enlisted my son and did the brakes the old fashioned way .

 

Goodluck matey

 

e

[Guest Mike Perry]

Like e666 (Ian) I will use son no.2 as the indispensible assistant.

 

Progress on Hood going slow due to falling off motorbike last week - Ouch Ouch Ouch.

[Guest craig030774]

the way to use a pressure bleeder is to drop the tyre pressure to below 20 psi before you start,then open the bleed nipple connect the air supply until all the air is out of the brake line,disconnect the air supply and then close the bleed nipple.if you dont then brake fluid will come out of the resivoir, i know i had to repaint mine

[Guest rusty]

Will best way make sure you have lots of fluid and a willing assistant just keep flushing it through till it comes out clean

good luck

Rusty