Brake Fluid Replacement - how much fluid do I need?

Ian Donkin · Post by **Ian Donkin** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:38 pm

Subject to parts arrival, I'm planning to replace the master cylinder on my '72 car tomorrow evening and (obviously) change the brake fluid at the same time. If all goes well, I may even be able to take it out for a drive for the first time in almost a month...

All other things being equal, will 1 litre of brake fluid be sufficient to complete the task? Being a Yorkshireman, I don't really want to buy too much when the stuff I plan to use is teens of pounds per litre and has a finite shelf life!

Considered opinion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

69Olive · Post by **69Olive** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:12 pm

Ian

A litre should be plenty. I used less than that when I replaced my master cylinder.

I guess it all depends how certain you want to be that there aren't any bubbles left

Steve

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:41 pm

I managed with just under a litre of ATE blue, It might be cutting it a bit fine if you have a high pressure bleeder though.

Ian Donkin · Post by **Ian Donkin** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:57 pm

Luke

I'll be using a pressure bleeder - do you have any tips that I should bear in mind if aiming to get away with just the one litre (it's ATE Blue I'm going with)?

bjmullan · Post by **bjmullan** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:21 pm

I have a tip for you if you are using a pressure bleeder system. Make sure that you clamp the breather pipe at the reservoir otherwise you’ll end up with a litre of brake fluid underneath the spare tyre

Ian Donkin · Post by **Ian Donkin** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:33 pm

Nice one Brendan!

early_911 · Post by **early_911** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:42 am

Sorry to drag this one back out . . . but this ATE Blue stuff is it this . . . .

'ATE Super blue racing brake fluid
Original ATE Super Blue Racing brake fluid, as used by Motorsport and race teams throughout the World, dry boiling point of 280 C which is 50 c above DOT4 fluid specification. This fluid has the highest safety reserves necessary in todays Motorsport environment but can still be used in road cars to give inreased protection against brake fade in hard driving conditions.'

http://teessideautotech.co.uk/acatalog/ ... stems.html

I want to renew my brake fluid . . . could I get away with 1litre - £20 a tin?

Does anyone else have any recommnedations.

Phil

early_911 · Post by **early_911** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:30 am

. . . . and where can I get some (by tomorrow - e.g. mail order)

bjmullan · Post by **bjmullan** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:40 am

That's the stuff and you can get it from Euro Car Parts who might get it to you by tomorrow.

early_911 · Post by **early_911** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 12:21 pm

Is 1lt enough to bleed the whole system?

bjmullan · Post by **bjmullan** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 12:24 pm

If you are using a pressure system then i think that 1lt is borderline.