2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake flush and proper brake bleeding

[ILIANBG]

I am due for front pads replacement and also I will do a complete brake fluid flush. I bought the brake fluid from Genos (AP 5. 1).

What is the proper bleeding process/sequence? I tried looking in the Service Manual but all I found was that if a pressure bleeder was used (I will use that), the front brake metering valve will have to be held open to bleed the front brakes. I don't know how I'll do that but we'll see.

Which wheel to start the bleed at? I have 119000 miles. When I am supposed to replace the brake lines at the wheels? I want to attempt to do the flush myself with a Motive bleeder. It is supposed to be quite simple and quick, I just do not know about the front metering valve.

Can anybody with the same model truck give mi some advise on how you did that.

Thank you.

Ilian

 

[JMcCoy]

You want to go from farthest to closest. RR, LR, RF, LR. I use a helper (usually my wife) to pump and hold the brake while I crack open the bleeder. I have never used special bleeders, so I cannot offer any advise on them. I like to use a turkey baster to suck the old fluid out of the top before putting the new in. It just speeds things up some. When the new fluid reaches the caliper or wheel cylinder, it will be much cleaner. Good luck.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yep I suck out the old stuff and refill the reservoir then bleed the wheels in the sequence JMcCoy mentioned. You can see it turn clear when it's flushed through. Very good type of maintenance to do that is often overlooked. I just picked up a '98. 5 and I just flushed the brake lines Sunday, boy was it looking bad!

I have an electric vacuum pump that works like a charm, I imagine the squeeze suction units would work OK Actron CP7835 - Actron Vacuum Pump and Brake Bleed Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com

If you are in a flushing mood don't forget the power steering fluid while you're there, and use good synthetic stuff to replace it with. That was nasty on mine too, quieted down the PS pump after the flush. I suck out the reservoir then refill, start it for about 3-4 seconds and crank the wheel quick then shut off and flush/refill again.

 

[seafish]

I just used the Motive Bleeder on my 2005.

VERY easy and effective. Needed 2 liters of new fluid and used "Blue" colored 5. 1 so that I could see when the lines were completely flushed.

ALSO sucked out the MC old fluid with a turkey baster first, then refilled it with the new blue fluid BEFORE pressurizing the system with the Motive Bleeder. Didn't have a front metering valve, though also was unable to flush the ABS system since on the 3rd gens you need a software to force the ABS to cycle while you are bleeding. Some people recommend several HARD (but safe) stops to force the engagement of the ABS valves AFTER flushing and bleeding, then rebleed.

 

[WilsonF]

I have used the gravity bleed method it takes a little longer but you need "no stinking helper. " Use a clear tube from the caliper and you can watch it go from dirty to clear fluid.

Floyd

 

[SHulse]

Ilian - how did you deal with the front brake metering valve issue? I have the same year truck - similar configuration - and want to flush my brake system and, like you, can't find any detail about how to handle the metering valve. Any advice is appreciated.

Steve