Changing brake fluid in 308QV

Nothing special about changing the brake fluid.
I've used the Eastwood MityVac brake bleeding setup & it works pretty well. When vacuum bleeding any brake system you really have to watch the level of fluid in your brake reservoir to avoid sucking air into the system & having to start all over. Easiest with 2 people, 1 to bleed & 1 to keep the reservoir topped off.

I've been meaning to make a pressure bleeding setup that avoids that problem. Just haven't had time to find a cap that fits the reservoir or make a mold from my cap & make one.

 

How much brake fluid is required to flush the system? I just purchased two 32 oz containers of brake fluid. Will this be enough? Thanks.

Ken

 

I will copy my post from a different thread, just a couple of days ago:


I have the Motive Power bleeder, works great. I also have a mityvac pump, that I was less than happy with. With the mityvac, when you suction from the caliper, air can leak from the caliper screws, so you don't get a good bleed. I've heard that people will remove the bleeder screws, and wrap with teflon tape for better results, but I never tried it. Instead I bought the motive power bleeder.

With the power bleeder (http://www.motiveproducts.com/), you fill the container with brake fluid, attach it to the master cylinder, pump it up to about 10 psi, then bleed from the bleed screws. Worked great for me. Definately worth the ~$50.

I bought the powerbleeder from International-auto.com (it was about $1 cheaper than from the motive site, and I was also ordering some stuff for my alfa).

 

Hey Doc,

I just noticed that you live in Latham, NY. I used to live there about 7-8 years ago, when I was in grad school (Albany Med).

Small world.

Definately don't miss the cold weather.

Dom

 

Doc,

I also use the Motive Power Bleeder...keep the tank pressurized to ~10psi and it is a simple 1-person job.

You can do all four wheels in ~15-20 minutes...max.

 

Just did my 308 with the MityVac which takes a lot of work and finesse to get a good bleed. Better than having someone push the brake pedal, but I recommend the Motive Power bleeder.

 

I plan on getting the Power bleeder too. Is International auto the best place to pick one up?

 

I'm sure that you can probably search and find it for slightly cheaper, but I like international-auto. Never had a problem with them. I've ordered stuff for both my alfa and ferrari from them. It was $46 at their site (it's $47 at the motive site), I ordered it on a wed using standard shipping, and it arrive at my house on a friday.

Dom

 

motive power bleeder is the way to go. also p/u a mity-vac to suck out old fluid and replace w/new b4 starting the process to insure clean stuff all the way through. (will also save time)

 

The only difference I can think of is the order you bleed the calipers. I've read that you're supposed to start with the caliper the furthest from the master cylinder and work your way in. On most LHD cars, that would mean you start from the rear-passenger-side caliper. On the 308, it's the rear-driver-side caliper.

I've always thought you're supposed to do it that way, but I read on the old forum that it really doesn't matter. *shrug*

 

On a 308, the rear passenger caliper is hydraulically the furthest from the master. The pictures in the owners manuals and parts manuals are not accurate. The rear splitter is actually on the driver's side, just in front of the rear crossmember. If in doubt, find the rear splitter on your car and bleed the caliper furthest from it.

 

You guys with the Motive bleeder: what adaptor (to fit the reservoir) did you buy? #?
Thanks
Philip

 

Thanks for the clarification Ric...

pma1010, I also have a Motive Power Bleeder. I bought the Alfa adapter. Fits perfectly. The one cumbersome thing about using it is the way the tubing gets all twisted when you screw it on to the reservior. I pre-twist the tube in the other direction to avoid the hassle.

 

zff
Was that adaptor #1100?
Thanks
Philip (pma1010)

 

Sorry, the Alfa part is spec'd on their site. The adaptor for the 308 is therefore 1100.

 

Ahah! THANKS!!!!

The #1100 adapter cap is all I need for a cheap DIY power bleeder!

I've got a small hand-held pump garden type sprayer that holds just about a liter. Replace the spray nozzle on the front with a hose connected to the adapter cap & I should be in business.

BTW, the garden spray sells for about $7 + shipping!

You don't really need a pressure gauge, altho one could be easily added into to the hose with a 'T' fitting.

 

I draw as much of the the old fluid out of the reservoir as possible, then fill with new fluid. I then pressurize the reservoir with a special cap I constructed. I use 10 psig or less and open each valve at the calipers one at a time starting with the one further away. Don't go too far else you'll push out all the fluid.

The one that pressurizes with brake fluid is nice but what do you do with the left over fluid? You have to throw it away because it has been exposed to air and has absorbed moisture.

I made my own cap by purchasing an old Mercedes cap, drilling a hole in its center, and cutting piece of copper in a circle to fit inside the cap. I soldered the brass part of an old tire valve stem the the copper disk that had a hole drilled in it the size of the valve stem. I got an old cap gasket. Stick the valve stem through the cap, replace the gasekt and, presto, you have a pressure bleeder.

 

Lawrence,

Yes, that's true, but brake fluid is cheap, so I don't mind wasting some for peace of mind.

Your system sounds pretty neat. Do you have any photos?

Dom

 

re:"left over brake fluid"

I don't trusr brake fluid that's been in the container more than a few weeks after the container's seal has been broken.

Since I don't track my car, any left-over fluid is untrustworthy by the
time the next annual brake fluid change rolls around anyway.

I doubt that there's much difference in the amount of moisture absorbed by fluid while it's in a pressure bleeding container vs being in an open container while conventional bleeding is underway.

Just my $0.02.

 

Dom,
Don't have a picture but will take one of the piece that I made and post it tonight.

 

Here is pix.

Can't get this picture to upload. Email me at [email protected] tomorrow and I send you the picture.

Lawrence