31 changing brake fluid

31 CHANGING BRAKE FLUID

The brake fluid is hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs humidity. To prevent problems with braking, the brake fluid should be changed every two years, irrespective of the mileage.

• Raise the vehicle and, if necessary, remove the wheels;
• connect a flexible pipe to the bleed screws on the brake calipers (for the rear drum brakes to the bleed screws on the cylinders), loosen them and, acting on the pedal, drain the fluid into a suitable container.
• remove the plug from the brake fluid reservoir and (at the same time as draining the oil fluid) introduce the recommended fluid into the system. Continue introducing new fluid until it starts coming out of the bleed screws, then tighten them.

Avoid the brake fluid, which is extremely corrosive, coming into contact with the paintwork. If this does happen, wash immediately with water.

The symbol ◎, present on the container, identifies synthetic types of brake fluid, distinguishing them from mineral types. The use of mineral type fluids irreparably damages the rubber seals in the braking system.

• Bleed the system keeping the flexible pipe connected to the bleed screw and the opposite end immersed in a transparent container containing the same fluid as the circuit.
• loosen the bleed screw and simultaneously press the brake pedal letting it return slowly; repeat the operation until all air bubbles have escaped;
• with the pedal fully depressed, tighten the bleed screw and remove the pipe. Carry out this operation separately for each wheel starting at the rear (the furthest from the brake fluid reservoir).

During the bleeding operation keep the level of the fluid in the reservoir above the MIN reference.
Do not reuse the hydraulic fluid drained during the bleeding procedure.

• Restore the level of the fluid in the reservoir and refit the plug;
• check the efficiency of the braking system.

The operation of bleeding can also be carried out using the "Jollyfen" equipment. This equipment allows the hydraulic braking system to be bled quickly. The bleeding operation is carried out simultaneously for both wheels by a single operator with a considerable time saving.