How often do you guys flush ur brake fluid?
Annually if she is just used on the street. That is the recommended interval in the owners manual, too.
I have one of these and love it. Brake Fluid Bleeder $25 bucks. One man operation. Hook suction bleeder to air compressor to create venturi vacuum. Suck all fluid from reservoir. Refill with clean fluid and then place supplied tank upside down in reservoir with clean fluid. Then just attach bleeder to each brake nipple, loosen slightly and suck till fluid runs clear. At some point at the first caliper turn on the key and move the brake pedal so that the ABS pump runs for a few seconds with a line open (You actually need a helper for this part) We have a 4-post lift so I leave the wheels on the car. Without a lift, one may have to remove the wheels or use jack stands. Do same for clutch. Just don't let the reservoir run dry!!!!!! Dave
No, you should be able to see the bleed screws through the wheel spokes. It might be tempting to reach through the wheels to bleed them but you don't want brake fluid on the pretty side of the wheels. Don't know where the clutch bleed is on a 355 but I'd imagine it is left of the Clutch housing like on the 348. One idea, have a pro do it the first time and watch. Dave
FWIW I changed my calipers and put in SS brake lines and used a vacuum pump from Griots Garage that looks identical to the one in Dave's link. I have a 4 post lift but did this job on the floor using a floor jack at each corner as I went around. I did not do anything special with the key for the ABS (this is a '97 355). It was so easy to do and the pedal was high and hard form the get go and still is. I did the clutch as well. As Dave said , just make sure you have the reservoir filled up. You can vacuum excess out of it when you are done if it remains above the suggested line. I did not have that extra supply tank, I just filled the reservoir with the new brake fluid (ATF BLue) that was visible as the new fluid in the suction hose at the calipers. Piece if cake, IMO with the vacuum bleeder.
I got one of these. They will throw in the catch bottle if you ask. Honestly I don't how I ever lived without one. I've done the Ferrari and my 5 series. You do go through alot of brake fluid however. And you do have to get in and pump the pedal once in a while along with doing a road test and slamming on the ABS to cycle new fluid through the pump. But it's all good! Image Unavailable, Please Login
I highly recommend a flare nut wrench or line wrench for the bleed screws. If they are stiff, a conventional wrench can round the nut. Also, a good time to upgrade to stainless lines. Also another point. You can get coloured brake fluid. This aid's in changing the fluid if its already clear. The colour does not change the performance. EDIT: Another product you can use are speed bleeders. They are bleeders with a check valve. You can replace your bleed screw with one, and rig up a hose into a bottle. You have to manually pump the brakes, but they are an alternative to vacuum pumps. I have used both and I prefer the vacuum pump myself. I have a little hand held one.
George- Owners manual says 1.6 liter capacity, so you will probably need two quarts because you will lose some when bleeding.
Thanks. I know that was a lazy question, should have looked myself! Anyway, Been doing annual fluid changes. Just have brake fluid and coolant left to do!
Just make sure you have enough wrenches before doing the job, don't want to come up short! Plus it make taking them off easier the next time, wrench is already there!!
I think it's the standard euro-size cap that Porsches use. I have a power bleeder that I bought for my Boxster, and I'm pretty sure I used it on my 355. As it's been long enough, that I'm due for a change again right now, I can't remember if I used it or just used the ABS pump to pump the fluid out. There is a thread detailing this method, but I can't remember what it's called.
Having replaced my calipers and installed SS brake lines recently I speak from experience here. They are 11mm fittings and I turned one of mine using a flare wrench bought at NAPA and another from pep boys did the same. I ultimately hooked up with a snap on dealer and got the wrench from him and all I can say is I wouldn't touch any brake fittings without it. If you search my posts I posted pics if the reason for the difference in the wrenches the bleeders are more accessible and have been turned prior so not as tight but I would still use a good flare wrench The vacuum bleeder used at each bleeder worked like a charm for me with no need for an assistant or messing with the abs. Just vacuum out the reservoir fill it with new fluid and draw it to each location using the vacuum Just make sure to check the level in the reservoir after each bleed so that you maintain fluid and don't draw air You can overfill it and vacuum off excess if when your done there is to much. Use the blue fluid and you will readily see when you've drawn the new stuff at the bleeders Here is the link to the post and pics about the wrenches http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/142340677-post21.html
I installed speed bleeders on my DD and have been thinking about it for the Ferrari over the winter. Speed Bleeder Bleeding Brakes Bleeding Motorcycle Brakes Automotive Bleeder Screw Brake Bleeder Anyone else using them? and the fluid is just atf blue?
