Flushed the brakes today on the W20

FDchief · 06-11-2009, 09:27 PM

I just flushed my brake fluid today using the gravity method. I have only done the two person, and pressure bleeding methods in the past. Had lots of other stuff to do on the motorhome so I decided to give the gravity bleed method a try. Worked great! Unlike some of my bleeding ventures before, I didn't make a mess this time

I used Prestone Synthetic DOT 3. Took a total of 3.5 quarts. The key to this method is to be patient and do other things while they bleed. Took about two hours. Thanks to all of the forum for another method to use when your by yourself.

Clay L · 06-12-2009, 08:44 AM

How often did you have to check the master cylinder to lake sure you didn't get air in the lines?

oemtech · 06-12-2009, 02:36 PM

After each caliper...

FDchief · 06-12-2009, 10:41 PM

Yep, each caliper was about how often I checked it. A very large reservoir so you don't have to beat feet back and forth to make sure you don't run out. Also, you will need to make sure the level remains at the hard plastic ring around the top 3/4 of the reservoir. Easiest way to do this is to use a white plastic tie wrap and pre-measure from the top of the opening to the fill line. then place a piece of electrical tape at that measurement. That way you can use it as a dip stick to measure to a gnats butt! Because once you evacuate the old fluid and replace it with the new stuff, you will be hard pressed to see the level

wilanddij · 06-17-2009, 03:25 PM

So, after reading this, and checking out Oemy's website (fantastic source of info, BTW) I decided to try out the process. As far as I can tell, everything worked out great, but I used less than 3 quarts of new fluid. I know there is no way air got in the lines and I let every bleeder run until the fluid was clear. Am I missing something?

FDchief · 06-17-2009, 10:49 PM

Your probably fine, I like to go overboard on everything. I had to make sure they all looked exactly the same. Plus I had four quarts so I didn't scrimp.

Dunnpe · 07-02-2009, 11:22 PM

Just some information on my recent brake fliud change.
I went to change out my brake fluid, I was surprised that the fluid in the reservoir was as clean and was nearly the same color as the new Dot 3, I was going to use. So I went back to the passenger side rear brake and hooked up to the bleeder and went about the procedure to gravity drain. Low and behold the fluid coming out was nearly the same color so I stopped the process. I don't think it really needs to be done now after looking at the color. What do you think.

oemtech · 07-03-2009, 07:34 AM

Just because it looks clear does not mean it has no moisture in it. Get some test strips and check your fluid on a regular basis. I have some on order and will report back when I test them on my less than 1 year old fluid.

$12 worth of fluid with set of Speed Bleeders and you can do a fluid change in less than a hour. Not to mention that you can save probably a $100 and a trip to the shop.

Dunnpe · 07-03-2009, 07:51 PM

Dale, Thanks for the response, I will wait to hear back from you on the results of the test strips. I just was going by the color as shown in your web site on the differences and what contamination looked like.

PS, what is the price of the Speed Bleeders, and how does on order them? I did not see that anywhere.

Pete