How to change brake fluid?

[anonymous-user]

I've run out of fun stuff to do to my car, so I thought I'd change the brake fluid as it's never been done since I bought it and I hope it'll firm up the pedal a bit.

I've no idea what's in there at the moment so firstly is it worth using dot5 or something better? And secondly if I put in an uprated fluid can I just pump the old fluid out of the bleed screws while refilling the reservoir, or do I need to somehow flush the system?

thanks
James

[Aizle]

Dot 5 will eat the seals I believe.

Dot 5.1 is the upgrade fluid, but only necessary if boiling the Dot 4.

Somebody with more knowledge will be along shortly I am sure.

[mrmr96]

http://www.afcoracing.com/tech_pages/fluid.shtml
etc

[skinny]

dot4 is fine. don't touch dot5.

[Oldandslow]

Use Dot4 or 5.1.

Dot 5.0 is a silicone based formula not suitable for a car that was designed for or previously used Dot 3 or 4.

If you use a syringe or similar to nearly empty the reservoir and then refill with the new stuff (important to note "nearly", if you empty it completely you risk getting air in the lines) and then give each corner a thorough bleeding, refilling as you go then you've got 99% of the old stuff out.

[anonymous-user]

Great, thanks for the info.

Does anyone know roughly how much fluid I'll need to completely change it? The options seem to be either a 1L bottle or a huge 5L carton.

[skinny]

1l will do it if you don't knock it over...

[anonymous-user]