- Open-end wrench for air bleed bolts (valves).
- A container for collecting brake fluid together with a hose for bleeding air.
- Inspection pit or lift.
Materials needed: About 1.5 liters of DOT 4 or Super DOT 4 brake fluid. No other fluid will do.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air through the pores of the brake hoses and through the vent in the brake fluid reservoir cap. This causes the boiling point of the brake fluid to drop over time. If the brakes are used intensively, this can lead to the formation of steam bubbles, which will greatly reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.
Brake fluid should be replaced every three years, preferably with the onset of warm weather. If you frequently travel in the mountains, by the sea, on salty roads, you should change it more often.
The brake fluid is pumped out by pumping the brake pedal, so an assistant is needed. The process is the same on all cars, regardless of whether anti-lock braking systems are installed or not.
Caution: When removing air, the vehicle must be standing on its wheels on a level surface.
In workshops, the fluid is usually replaced under pressure using a special device. In vehicles with an anti-lock braking system, care must be taken to ensure that the supply pressure does not exceed 1 bar.
Precautions when working with brake fluid are given in Chapter. "Brake system".
Precautions: Brake fluid is poisonous. Never suck it in through a hose with your mouth. Store the fluid in a closed container only.
Remove the plug (1) from the brake fluid level sensor. Unscrew the cap (2) of the brake fluid reservoir.
Using a rubber bulb, suck out the brake fluid from the reservoir so that its level is about 10 mm.
Caution: The folder must not be completely emptied, otherwise air will enter the system. If one of the chambers of the tank is completely emptied (for example, due to leaks in the brake system or if you forgot to pour fluid into the reservoir when removing air), then it is necessary to remove air using a device for reading fault codes from the ABS system with a hydraulic device.
Fill the reservoir with brake fluid up to the "MAX" mark.
Ford KA: To release pressure in the system, press the brake pedal at least 20 times.
Precautions: Carefully unscrew the rear brake bleed bolts, as the fluid is under very high pressure there. Wear safety glasses.