Brake Fluid Change

[Bennachie]

Trying to forget the extraordinary expense of the change compared with other car makes - even those within the VW/Audi/Porsche Group; however I would like to know how the fluid is changed completely in the system apparently without taking the wheels off.................

Is there sufficient space between the nipples and wheel rim (particularly the fronts) to get the tube from a vacuum bleeder in?

[Trev450]

I suppose its possible to pass the tube between the wheel spokes, but would be tight getting a spanner onto the nipple.

[Rockster]

Bennachie said:

Trying to forget the extraordinary expense of the change compared with other car makes - even those within the VW/Audi/Porsche Group; however I would like to know how the fluid is changed completely in the system apparently without taking the wheels off.................

Is there sufficient space between the nipples and wheel rim (particularly the fronts) to get the tube from a vacuum bleeder in?

One way is to bleed the outer bleeds from outside the car then the inner bleeds from under the car. 'course, it helps to have a nice lift, like the tech did at the dealer I was at yesterday and watching him do the bleeds.

However, I thought the bleed procedure called for first the outer then inner bleeds be done at the caliper furtherest from the master cylinder then working one's way closer to the master cylinder. The tech assured me his way was the right way. I'm not convinced and my factory Turbo manual suggests both bleeds at the wheel are done -- with the outer bleed done first -- before moving on to the next caliper.

I recall from watching other techs do brake bleeds they just remove the wheels and get the car at a comfortable height and do each wheel -- outer bleed first -- in turn. There is no having to reach in through the wheel to connect the hose to the bleed nipped and then reach in with a wrench and no risk of spilling brake fluid on the wheel which can damage the finish. Furthermore, one gets free and easy access to the bleed screws. If one is not careful he can snap these off if he goes after one at an awkward angle.

[88racing]

Seems ridiculous to even try given how relatively easy it is to strip the thread.