Change Brake Fluid
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Originally Posted by flyhigh_l' post='750181' date='Dec 21 2008, 09:51 PM
Just wondering if I can just pour in the brake fluid dot 3 or 4 when my break fluid is low instead of changing the whole thing?
Is there a brand that you can recomend or I have to buy it from BMW?
Is there a brand that you can recomend or I have to buy it from BMW?
If you're replacing it, go with either ATE SuperBlue (or gold), or the BMW OEM stuff. Either will be fine.
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#23
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If you have the proper tools (a pressure bleeder helps) and access to a lift you should be able to perform a brake fluid flush. I do, however, think the modern ABS systems require some massaging of the electronics to ensure the system is completely flushed and replenished with the proper clean brake fluid whilst preventing any air to enter the system.
That said, and I'm a big DIY believer, I've seen area BMW dealers offering brake fluid flush/replacement "specials" for less than $100. When I factor in my time and using proper tools and such, it may be a better "deal" to leave some tasks to the pro's!
That said, and I'm a big DIY believer, I've seen area BMW dealers offering brake fluid flush/replacement "specials" for less than $100. When I factor in my time and using proper tools and such, it may be a better "deal" to leave some tasks to the pro's!
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Originally Posted by luigi524td' post='752888' date='Dec 26 2008, 12:00 AM
If you have the proper tools (a pressure bleeder helps) and access to a lift you should be able to perform a brake fluid flush. I do, however, think the modern ABS systems require some massaging of the electronics to ensure the system is completely flushed and replenished with the proper clean brake fluid whilst preventing any air to enter the system.
That said, and I'm a big DIY believer, I've seen area BMW dealers offering brake fluid flush/replacement "specials" for less than $100. When I factor in my time and using proper tools and such, it may be a better "deal" to leave some tasks to the pro's!
That said, and I'm a big DIY believer, I've seen area BMW dealers offering brake fluid flush/replacement "specials" for less than $100. When I factor in my time and using proper tools and such, it may be a better "deal" to leave some tasks to the pro's!
Also, I can't see where the electronics factor into it regardless of ABS or not. What kind of "massaging" would you do? I can't think of anything electronic that would verify that the system is flushed, or insure that air isn't introduced.
Use different color fluid to tell when everything is flushed, and use proper technique to make sure no air is introduced. Bleeding brakes is really quite simple; it was my first DIY (other than changing oil once) and it couldn't have been easier.
I've seen dealers just suck out the master cylinder and refill and call it a flush and fill. No thanks.
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Originally Posted by bdkinnh' post='753005' date='Dec 26 2008, 09:37 AM
You don't need a lift: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=60186
Also, I can't see where the electronics factor into it regardless of ABS or not. What kind of "massaging" would you do? I can't think of anything electronic that would verify that the system is flushed, or insure that air isn't introduced.
Use different color fluid to tell when everything is flushed, and use proper technique to make sure no air is introduced. Bleeding brakes is really quite simple; it was my first DIY (other than changing oil once) and it couldn't have been easier.
I've seen dealers just suck out the master cylinder and refill and call it a flush and fill. No thanks.
Also, I can't see where the electronics factor into it regardless of ABS or not. What kind of "massaging" would you do? I can't think of anything electronic that would verify that the system is flushed, or insure that air isn't introduced.
Use different color fluid to tell when everything is flushed, and use proper technique to make sure no air is introduced. Bleeding brakes is really quite simple; it was my first DIY (other than changing oil once) and it couldn't have been easier.
I've seen dealers just suck out the master cylinder and refill and call it a flush and fill. No thanks.
> I've seen dealers just suck out the master cylinder and refill and call it a flush and fill. > You've seen the wrong dealers but I'm sure they exist.
> I've done my share of brake fluid flushes etc over the past xx# of years but now decide what DIY stuff I choose to do and what other repair and maintenance tasks I leave to a select group of skilled mechanics who help maintain my cars.
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Originally Posted by luigi524td' post='753065' date='Dec 26 2008, 12:16 PM
I've done my share of brake fluid flushes etc over the past xx# of years but now decide what DIY stuff I choose to do and what other repair and maintenance tasks I leave to a select group of skilled mechanics who help maintain my cars.
I've always been amused at how many people will leave a brake fluid change to a dealer because they think it's complicated, but have no problem plugging a $100 internet-purchased device into their ECU.
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Originally Posted by Lawr' post='765815' date='Jan 12 2009, 12:05 PM
Just a quick question, how much brake fluid is needed to flsuh the system? Just 1 liter will do?