Brake fluid flushes are a routine maintenance procedure that many car owners take for granted. But what is the difference between a brake bleeding and a brake flush? And why should you do both? Read on to learn more!
What is a Bleeding Brake System?
A bleeding brake system is a safety feature on some cars that prevents the car from rolling away if the brakes are applied suddenly. When the brakes are applied, the brake fluid is forced out of the calipers and into the master cylinder. If there is an air bubble in the brake fluid, it will cause a “bleed” or flow of fluid, which keeps the brakes from locking up.
When Should You Bleed Your Brakes?
When should you bleed your brakes? Bleeding the brakes can help to maintain brake performance, particularly in cold weather. However, it’s important to remember that bleeding your brakes does not mean that you need to replace them.
How to Bleed Your Brakes
If you’re experiencing a loss of braking power, your brake system may be flushed. This procedure removes the old fluid and debris from the braking system, restoring performance. Here’s how to do it:
1) Park the vehicle in a level area. If possible, jack up the front end of the car and support it with a jack or a large rock so you can work on the brakes more easily.
2) Use a wrench to remove the cap on the brake fluid reservoir. Fill a container halfway with clean brake fluid and top off the reservoir. Replace the cap.
3) Remove the brake caliper by undoing the eight bolts that hold it in place. Be careful not to drop the caliper off! Once it’s loose, carefully pull it off of the wheel. You’ll see two metal disks called pistons attached to each side of the wheel hub.
4) Remove the pads by unscrewing two metal clips on each side of each piston (these clips are usually covered with brake grease). Discard any old pads or grease. New pads should be slipped over these clips and tightened down with a wrench. Note: If your vehicle has ABS
What to Do If Your Bleeding Brake System Does Not Work Properly
If your bleeding brake system does not work properly, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue. The first step is to determine if the issue is with the fluid level or the brake system itself. If the fluid level is low or the brake system is not functioning properly, you will need to replace the fluid or brake system. If the issue is with the brakes themselves, you may be able to fix them by adjusting the cables or pads.
Conclusion
Bleeding brake system and flushing are two different systems that work to prevent fluids from entering the ABS system. Bleeding brake system is designed to release small amounts of fluid when the ABS detects a loss in pressure. Flushing occurs when the pressure in the ABS system becomes too high and attempts to push any trapped fluid out through the braking system.