Brake fluid service

[gameover000]

I know I only come along when I need help, like a starved student looking for a break from pop noodles and white bread, but I was hoping one of the experts here could point me in the direction of a brake fluid swap guide?

Done calipers and disks on previous cars, but not had to touch the brake system in the Z yet, and would rather have a go myself.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Mark

 

[flybobbie]

I just pumped it out through the calliper nipples in the normal fashion. Some have said that fluid is trapped in the abs unit. Thought the pipes ran through the unit so just assume they would be cleared through also. One litre was enough to do the job.

 

[gameover000]

Ahh nice one, thanks matey. For some reason, had it in my head that it was a caliper off job - and aware that that involves sensors in the Z.

Clearly trying to complicate things! Ta muchly

 

[Ewazix]

The BMW TIS manual says you should activate the ABS pump to purge it using software via the OBD2 port but unless you are unlucky or have removed caliper/hoses without clamping off and allowed air back you should be OK. I've done mine twice without needing to activate the ABS.

As the brake fluid reservoir is shared with the clutch you need to keep the clutch pedal depressed fully with a special tool (2" x 2" baton ) and avoid undoing the bleed nipples more than necessary as I've found they will let a little air back through the thread during the process, otherwise it's bleeding as normal.

It's worth re-setting the brake fluid service light which pops up every 2 years,
- Iginition OFF (POS 0)
- Press and Hold the trip odometer button while turning key to Position 1 (Accessory)
- Keep the button depressed (about 5 seconds) until you see 'Oil Service' or 'Inspection' with 'Reset' or 'Re' in the display
- Press the button again and the display will change to 'Brake Fluid' with the square clock symbol
- Press again and hold for about 5 seconds which resets it
- Release the button and switch off the ignition,

The clock symbol should be gone.

 

[gameover000]

Ahh, more info, handy thanks!

So...keep me right....nooby, I know.

- empty brake fluid res as much as poss and fill up with fresh fluid
- use fancy technical 2x2 under clutch (haha)
- jack up car, remove wheel and loosen bleed cap
- fit piping, get missus to apply brake (fully, partly?) until fluid flows without air bubbles into empty container
- tighten bleed cap (with brake pedal depressed I assume?)
- rinse and repeat on all 4 corners
- top up fluid reservoir
- make sure brake pedal feels solid enough

Anything there gonna kill me/the car?

Ta in advance! Always happy to tackle these when they come up, but never had to do brake fluid...very odd.

 

[Ewazix]

Ahh, more info, handy thanks!

So...keep me right....nooby, I know.

- empty brake fluid res as much as poss and fill up with fresh fluid
- use fancy technical 2x2 under clutch (haha)
- jack up car, remove wheel and loosen bleed cap
- fit piping, get missus to apply brake (fully, partly?) until fluid flows without air bubbles into empty container
- tighten bleed cap (with brake pedal depressed I assume?)
- rinse and repeat on all 4 corners
- top up fluid reservoir
- make sure brake pedal feels solid enough

Anything there gonna kill me/the car?

Ta in advance! Always happy to tackle these when they come up, but never had to do brake fluid...very odd.

Slight change,
- empty brake fluid res as much as poss and fill up with fresh fluid - Don't actually remove any or empty res before starting
- use fancy technical 2x2 under clutch (haha)
- jack up car, remove wheel (fit pipe) and loosen bleed cap - start with brake furthest from res
- get missus to apply brake (steady fully depressed & repeat ) until fluid flows without air bubbles into empty container keep topping up - tap caliper with soft mallet to shift bubbles
- tighten bleed cap (with brake pedal depressed I assume? yes)
- rinse (No need to rinse anything)and repeat on all 4 corners moving to next furthest
- top up fluid reservoir
- make sure brake pedal feels solid enough

Should be fine

 

[gameover000]

Much appreciated, thanks for the speedy responses too!

 

[ronk]

Can one of the Easi Bleed Gismos be used?
No need to get the Mrs involved

 

[gameover000]

She has to be useful at some point though surely? :wink:

But yeh, fair point - are they basically to put pressure through it?

 

[Ewazix]

Can one of the Easi Bleed Gismos be used?
No need to get the Mrs involved

I tried a Gunson EaziBleed last time, once I finally got it connected, set-up and started, a seal came unseated and splurged brake fluid all down the engine bay which had to be cleaned off sharpish. The Eazibleed was IMHO a piece of cheap cra@p and went in the bin. I'm sure people have good results with it, but checking on-line reviews afterwards (too late) there was a lot of similar complaints.

In conclusion my Mrs was safer in the Z4 than a plastic bottle and I never thought I'd say that :exitright:

 

[ronk]

There was leakage on mine all those years ago but I thought it was only me!

 

[gameover000]

Missus it is then, haha!