Brake Fluid Change

[Jaglex]

It's (more than) time to change the brake fluid of my LHD Ser. 1.5.
As I didn't find that in the manual, I'd like to ask the experts here before I start:

• what is the best practice to do this (first pump to the rear brakes, with engine running etc.)?

• what are the quantities needed?

• anything I should think about or do while doing this job?

Thank you.
Alex

[Moeregaard]

I still use Castrol GTLMA DOT 4 fluid and change it annually. I did mess about with DOT 5 silicone-based fluid, and found bleeding the brakes difficult due to the air suspended in it. Other owners may have had better experiences, but that was mine.

Start the bleeding process from the caliper farthest from the reservoirs, and work your way forward. You will probably need about a liter of fluid to complete the job. I use one of those bleeders that has the little check valve at the end of the tube, and this seems to reduce the amount of fluid needed, as well as eliminating the need for a helper.

Getting at the rear bleed screws requires small hands, a short wrench, and lots of patience. Good luck!

[mgcjag]

Hi Alex....As above...you do not need the engine running....Steve

[Jaglex]

Thank you!
So the rest of the old fluid from both reservoirs will be sucked through even without the vacuum from the running engine?
Sounds easy.

[chrisfell]

I suck the old fluid out of the reservoirs first, otherwise I’d be pumping the brake pedal for eons.
I use 5.1. It is better fluid. I change it every two years, with fluid from a new unopened bottle.
I use a simple valve in tube bleeder, which costs a few quid.

[Jaglex]

Thank you all for your hints.
It took me two litres to change the contents of the clutch reservoir (only) and the brake system.
As you said, there was no need to have the engine running.
My front reservoir is for the rear brakes, the rear reservoir for the front brakes.
One step with opened front brake moves about twice the amount of fluid compare to a step on the brakes with a rear brake opened.
I'm glad I moved the bleed screws for the rear brakes to the bottom end of the rear axle cradle.