Brake Fluid Reservoir

[TDickerson]

I want to siphon my brake fluid from my reservoir and put new in. I tried using a siphon but the tube is too big to get through to the bottom of the reservoir. I'm not sure if I can siphon all the brake fluid using a smaller tube, and don't want to damage anything. Seems the only way to get to the fluid is putting the tube through the side as the hole is restricted with a plug. Any advice on how to do this. Ram 2014 3500.

 

[Diesel85]

You really need to do a proper brake flush either by gravity or a suction machine.

The critical place that fluid needs to be fresh is in the lines and the calipers. The master cylinder usually could care less.

 

[kthaxton]

You really need to do a proper brake flush either by gravity or a suction machine.

The critical place that fluid needs to be fresh is in the lines and the calipers. The master cylinder usually could care less.

Agreed.
Suction out what you can from the master cylinder, then continue to do a flush by whatever means you have available.

I recently bought the Motive pressure bleeder from Geno's and it makes the job much easier, wish I had bought one years ago.

 

[seafish]

I want to siphon my brake fluid from my reservoir and put new in. I tried using a siphon but the tube is too big to get through to the bottom of the reservoir. I'm not sure if I can siphon all the brake fluid using a smaller tube, and don't want to damage anything. Seems the only way to get to the fluid is putting the tube through the side as the hole is restricted with a plug. Any advice on how to do this. Ram 2014 3500.

It seems like you might be confusing an easy way to flush power steering fluid versus a safe way to replace brake fluid.


While PS fluid may be partially replaced and flushed with a turkey baster ir some other suction device in the reservoir, the brake system MUST be flushed and bled from the caliper ends through the bleed screw. In fact, while it is a relatively simple process, brake system flushing and bleeding MUST be performed within a strict process and I highly suggest you take the time to learn more about it BEFORE attempting to do it yourself.

 

[seafish]

You really need to do a proper brake flush either by gravity or a suction machine.

The critical place that fluid needs to be fresh is in the lines and the calipers. The master cylinder usually could care less.

Yes this is exactly right though I have also used brake pressure bleeders, with the crucial point being that they ALSO completely push new brake fluid in from the top and old fluid out through the caliper bleed screws.

 

[Diesel85]

And lets not forget farthest first! Right rear then left rear then right front then left front.

Don't let it run out of fluid in the master cylinder, or you'll be doing an ABS bleed next.