$98 Brake Fluid Upgrade
 

Hello, everyone.

I've completed 2 (two-day) HPDE events in my FR-S thus far... And so I thought it was really becoming the right time in having my brake fluid flushed and replaced with an upgraded fluid.

My brake pedal was becoming very soft, and it really got to me this past weekend while on the track. The brake pedal was just no longer as responsive to braking feel like it used to be, although I still managed to slow down on the track whenever I had to.

I would be proud to perform my own brake fluid service, but I just didn't feel as comfortable after doing further research and viewing over some DIY's. Therefore, I called a few auto-performance / service shops to get price quotes on labor / type of fluid, and such. Most places were quoting me closer to $200+ with parts and labor. I didn't want to spend that much, and felt I could still find a more affordable solution.

I located a local shop which carries Motul RBF600 for $18.95 per bottle (500 ml each), and picked up two (since I was told two would be enough for my car, and it truly was).

Next, I located a small mom & pop shop which could do the entire flush at a reasonable cost... Which happened to be $60 total, since I was providing the fluid. The owner of the small shop performed the job right in front of me and also let me watch upclose in person... He did a thorough job, and it took him 40-45 minutes to complete.

Brake pedal feels better now, but I'll test it out further within my next HPDE, which is in less than two weeks! :happyanim:

I'm a happy camper for the time being... Now, I'm going to keep my eye out for some quality brake pads for when I feel I'm ready. :D

Thanks for reading!

I'm going to try doing a gravity bleed with this car. I've had good success with all my other cars. It does take longer but pedals are much firmer than doing a pressure bleed.

Can you define this method so that I may keep it in mind for the future?

I'm assuming my service tech did the faster / pressure bleed method (with the vacuum hose to the brake fluid container in the engine bay area, and also to each of the caliper areas).

Thank you. :D

With gravity bleed you just put the hose on the nipple and crack open the bleed valve and let the fluid come out. Let gravity do the work. Just keep an eye on the brake fluid reservoir and top it off to make sure it doesn't go too low. It takes a longer time but you don't have to be there the whole time. I find this method the best since there is very little chance to introduce air into the fluid unlike pressure bleed.

Sounds like a more thorough way to perform the job.

Thank you for the insight on this method... May likely come handy to me for my next opportunity. :)

Gravity bleeding is great for doing at home, but it seriously takes FOREVER.

We typically do the "2 person" method, where one person pumps, while the other opens and closes the bleeder. With a properly sized tube, there's no "sucking back" into the caliper, and while it may not be 100% ideal, it's a heck of a lot faster, and we've had no problems with this method on our BRZ.

isn't this car compatible with a Power bleeder?

Just get a set of speed bleeders and be done with it.

You guys should look at the Motive Power Bleeder. Basically you hook up a reservoir tank under 15psi (manually pump up). Once that's set, all you have to do is rotate around to the different brake bleeder valves to let the air out and notice the new fluid coming through the system. I love the system and use it currently on my 350Z with ATE Super Blue fluid.

Vacuum bleeder 20min done....

Update: Brake fluid upgrade has proven its worth through 2 (two-day) DE events and counting... :)

Brake fluid upgrade does prove its worth.

Just wrote up a DIY using the Motul RBF 600. Described another bleed approach using "Speed Bleeders"

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20311

I gravity bleed this car no problems

you want $$$ brake fluid check out the castrol srf

I use the vacuum pump for the first 95% of the job then make my wife pump for the last 5%.

It's good for both of us.