brake fluid drain

[max west-yorks 10]

Hi guys

 

the fluid on my VR needs changing pretty badly by the look of it it's fairly dark in colour, what's the best DIY method to do it without use of any specialist tools?

 

I've read that pumping the brakes with an old master cyl could damage it or other old seals so I thought I'd get some advice before I dove into it!

 

Also as a temporary fix (no more than a month as rear pads are super low and are being changed ASAP) could I use new fluid to top up the reservoir or is that going to land me in a world of pain?

 

Thanks,

Max

[KIPVW 0]

Get yourself a gunsons easi bleeds kit from halfords and actually enjoy this job :-)

Just done mine after replacement of all hard lines, all flexis & all calipers so was a completely dry system but all done and all perfect within the hour :-)

[davidwort 0]

'best' would involve a pressure bleeder, something like an EZbleed (about 15-20 quid) but I'd at least remove (siphon) as much out of the reservoir as you can and then top up with fresh and bleed each bleed point until the fluid runs clear (4 wheels, by the reservoir and the clutch slave), you can just let it gravity bleed, or get someone to press the brake pedal, it's only going to be a small amount from each corner. I've never actually seen a car where the MC seals have been damaged by pumping the brakes and have done it for years on ABS and non ABS VW systems, you're not going to be pumping like mad for hours here, it's just a couple of depressions for each wheel.

[max west-yorks 10]

ah right nice one thanks guys, I'm thinking about overhauling the entire system, new hard lines, new hoses new pads and discs maybe even carriers too, lines will need doing in the next couple of years do makes sense to just do it all at once

 

cheers,

max

[STU175 0]

i need to do this soon.

what type and how much brake fluid do u need?

[KIPVW 0]

Dot 4, get it from anywhere really, i like proper vw stuff but i like it that way. There's probably no difference to halfords own brand, especially if you have a trade card for them :)

 

Get a couple of litres at least as you dont have to worry too much about running a good measure through the bleed nipples.