DIY Question: Brake Fluid Flush Tool

[jim628]

Hi:

Has anybody tried using brake fluid extractor (like a vacuum pump) to flush your brake fluid? I saw this tool from Griot's garage:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...d+extractor.do

How effective is this tool? I remember seeing similar tool long time ago. However instead of an extractor, it is a pump that creates pressure on the brake fluid reservoir. Which one is better?

Thanks

[X5 Meister]

Huge mistake IMHO. You'll never get the brake fluid that is trapped in the ABS system. BMW dealers hook the car up to the computer to open a valve that allows access to all the fluid for a complete flush, something you'll never be able to do on your own.

[WolfX5]

For an X5, the dealer or indy uses a special program on the MODIC computer that is designed to properly pressure bleed the system.

[we350z]

thats crazy.

Originally Posted by WolfX5

For an X5, the dealer or indy uses a special program on the MODIC computer that is designed to properly pressure bleed the system.

[toohotdoc]

how much are ppl paying to get a brake job done at a authorized BMW dealer?

[we350z]

I remember my parents saying something insane like 1200-1500 bucks. BMW is off their rocker with that price, but It may be due in part to usually needing new rotors.

Still if you figure that I acquired all the necessary parts for under $400, and we all know that is not their cost (maybe half). They are charging over $1000 in labor.

That's criminal. At $120/hr thats 8+ hours worth of labor. It won't take an experienced mechanic but 15 minutes per wheel. One of the easiest DIY jobs - as for whether this price includes flush I don't know.

And now I am curious if I need a brake flush lol.

Originally Posted by toohotdoc

how much are ppl paying to get a brake job done at a authorized BMW dealer?

[Islands52]

Interesting. Along with friends, we have used Motive brake bleeders many times for track days and maintenance and have not had an issues with the ABS pump on all types of BMWs and M-cars. You can also do a second bleed the old fashioned "pump the pedal" method, being careful not to unduly stress the brake master cylinder (I personally don't do this on my cars).

I'm going to look into this further and see if there really is an issue here for the guys who DIY their Xs, because there is no way I am going to pay $1000 for a brake job I can usually do myself in less than 2 hours.

[acitydweller]

hey, i just did a brake fluid flush two weekends ago.

Basically you need 4 jackstands and a bottle of brake fluid. I purchased a bottle while i was picking up some random parts for my car.

1. take off all four wheels
2. place a paper cup underneath each brake bleeder.
3. open up the hood and open the brake resevior cap.
4. open each brake bleeder and align the paper cup to where the brake fluid drips.
5. continue to let the brake fluid drip and watch the resevior so that the brake fluid never falls below LOW.
6. when the fluid is a golden yellow, start by capping the bleeder valve from the front driver side caliper. Repeat this at each corner continueing with the front passenger side caliper, then the rear driver side caliper and finally the rear passenger caliper.
7. when all four corners are bled and capped, remount the tires and make certain the brake fluid level is between low and high.
8. start the car and press the brakes a few times and youre done... i'd say 25 minutes tops for this task if you do this by yourself as i did. You'll notice a difference if your brake fluid hasnt been changed in the last 3 years.

[we350z]

So no need for bleeding brakes to release air pressure using this method since you never go below low, right? OK to use Motul or any brand other than BMW reccomended stuff? I'm not sure when mine was last changed, I will have to look in history.

How are the stock brake lines? Is it worth it to upgrade to SS? Obviously this would require bleeding since you are opening system up. I will be doing this along with my BBK install on my 300ZX.

Originally Posted by acitydweller

hey, i just did a brake fluid flush two weekends ago.

Basically you need 4 jackstands and a bottle of brake fluid. I purchased a bottle while i was picking up some random parts for my car.

1. take off all four wheels
2. place a paper cup underneath each brake bleeder.
3. open up the hood and open the brake resevior cap.
4. open each brake bleeder and align the paper cup to where the brake fluid drips.
5. continue to let the brake fluid drip and watch the resevior so that the brake fluid never falls below LOW.
6. when the fluid is a golden yellow, start by capping the bleeder valve from the front driver side caliper. Repeat this at each corner continueing with the front passenger side caliper, then the rear driver side caliper and finally the rear passenger caliper.
7. when all four corners are bled and capped, remount the tires and make certain the brake fluid level is between low and high.
8. start the car and press the brakes a few times and youre done... i'd say 25 minutes tops for this task if you do this by yourself as i did. You'll notice a difference if your brake fluid hasnt been changed in the last 3 years.

[jim628]

Originally Posted by Islands52

Interesting. Along with friends, we have used Motive brake bleeders many times for track days and maintenance and have not had an issues with the ABS pump on all types of BMWs and M-cars. You can also do a second bleed the old fashioned "pump the pedal" method, being careful not to unduly stress the brake master cylinder (I personally don't do this on my cars).

In addition to this how about if the fuse for ABS unit is removed to make sure ABS will not interfere? Of course I am making the following assumption:

[1] When ABS not activated, ABS unit is not blocking any fluid flow
[2] ABS reservoir share the same brake line. In otherwords, brake fluid flow from the master cylinder through ABS then to the actual brake