Brake fluid flush

[jimmyjnr]

2002 sightseer , plan to flush brake fluid , has anyone experienced problems, check lights etc . Thanks for all advice and tips

[Hikerdogs]

We've done it on our Adventurer at least half a dozen times without any problems. The bleeder screws are fairly substantial so you shouldn't have any problems even if they do stick a little bit. Just don't get carried away if they're really tight. If they are really tight use a little PB Blaster or other rust solvent and let them set a while.

The hardest part is probably going to be refilling the master cylinder. In ours it's close to the top of the hood opening. I have to use a pint can or smaller to get enough room to pour. Since you can't see in there well enough to know when it's filled I stick a finger in just below the top. When I feel the fluid on my finger I know it's enough to begin bleeding again.

Until you know how fast the reservoir empties I would only pump out a small amount before checking the reservoir level. If you go to low and get air in the system it's a pain to remove, and the job takes a lot longer. I believe I use about 3 quarts to make sure all the old fluid has run through.

[jimmyjnr]

Thanks for the advice , is there a specific fluid I should use

[Hikerdogs]

Ford will obviously recommend their own brand. It might be a little more expensive than some others, but as I recall it has a little higher boiling point when wet (which is a good thing). If you change it regularly any brand name DOT4 fluid will do fine.

[dirko]

Hi Ho: Hikerdogs has it right. I find that having a couple of helpers is really important. And I have done it by myself, but don't recommend it. The trick is to not get air in the system. If you do, bleeding it is more work than changing the fluid. This means keeping the master cylinder full, which is a good job for a helper. You can also use someone to step on the brake pedal to force the fluid through the lines. I'm also sure you know that brake fluid is very corrosive, so try not to get it on things.

It sounds like you are past this, but changing brake fluid is a good idea because it is hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs water from the air. Use only fluid that hasn't been sitting around open for the same reason. It's cheap enough that I just discard what is left over in an open can when the job is done.

[lost1]

Just curious if anyone has had it done lately at a Ford Dealer what is the cost?

[zippo]

Originally Posted by lost1

Just curious if anyone has had it done lately at a Ford Dealer what is the cost?

I had mine done at the Ford dealer in October for just over $200.

[tomwalt]

Speedbleeder.com has a good reputation. $7 for each bleeder ($28 plus about $6 shipping will get you set up for all 4 wheels). I don't know the Ford P/N (I'm a Chevy guy), but Whitney at [email protected] helped me get a good P/N.