2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake Fluid Flush

[rwilliams4]

How do I flush and change the brake fluid in my '97 3500. I have all the TDRs and couldn't find any information in the indices. I thought I would replace the factory fill with Valvoline SynPower DOT 3 & 4. The boiling point of this fluid is said to exceed 500 degrees. TIA

 

[illflem]

Valvoline SynPower is an excellent choice. I use a vacuum bleeder because of master cylinder damage that I've seen caused by pumping the brakes while bleeding. What can happen when pumping with to the floor strokes is that the cylinder travels into an area that it doesn't normally while braking. Many times this part of the cylinder is rusty from no use and will tear up the seals. If you do use the pumping method try to keep your strokes short. My 2¢

 

[Motorhead]

Good point illflem about the master cyl travel. Has anyone ever done a gravity bleed where you open a bleeder and let it flow on its own? Anything to look out for while bleeding with 4 wheel ABS?

 

[K_Arts]

How often should the brake fluid be changed?



I have 31k on my truck and I tried to make an appointment with my local stealer to have them dump the fluid for me (Being that I've never done it before), and they told me that unless the fluid is dirty they will not change it.



Huh??? A local 5 Star Stealer doesn't have a scheduled maintenance program for brake fluid... that don't make no sense to me.



Kev

 

[Cooker]

The color of the fluid is not a real indication of it's usefulness. The % water is the most important factor, it has an effect on the boiling point (lowers it) and could cause problems in a emergency stop situation.



2 years is about all most brake fluid is good for, IMHO.



Ryan

 

[illflem]

Two years is good, you can probably stretch it out to three in the arid parts of the west. Problem with just looking at the fluid quality in the reservoir or only changing the reservoir fluid is that most of the contamination settles down into the system.

 

[Fireman]

Just did mine. Did it like Illflem said, real easy.



Fireman

 

[WWalters]

When replacing fluids in autos & trucks, one thing that often gets over looked is the power steering fluid. That should also be flushed and refilled; probably every couple of years or so.