Manual says every two years. I'm betting this one has never had it done. So any tips on the procedure? Do you just open the bleeders and pump the brakes or what. I'm all for preventive maintenance but don't want to mess up the ABS.

 

I was worried as well when I did it to this car. You just do it the same as any other car. I used a vac bleeder (I have the brembo brakes) and it worked just fine. I picked up some Super Blue DOT 4 fluid so I could see when the new fluid was coming out. Took me an hour or so with no issues.

 

I used the wife to pump.
I was changing the front rotors and pads and thought it would be a good idea to change the fluid at the same time.
The only issue I had was trying to buy a piece of plain tube to bleed brakes at Autozone, I just got a blank stare and pointed towards the fancy bleeder gadgets, finally had to ask for windscreen washer tubing.

 

My question is there any reason to change the brake fluid at all. Is it different than any other car. Maybe I should have but at 61 I have never changed the brake fluid on any car.

 

Yes it is needed. Most people don't but that's just part of ignoring normal maintenance. I always flush and change brake fluid. I SCCA race and it really does make a difference in brake performance. You also will build corrosion in the master cylinder and calipers from the water drawn in by the brake fluid.
.
.
.

 

Yup, every 2 years is what is recommended (unless you do something like SCCA, then it is before and after every event). It really isn't that hard if you have someone or get a vac bleeder.

 

I am not much of a mechanic but would like to do as much as possible myself and learn. I have seen the brake bleeding tools. Has anyone used something called speedi-bleed. Looks like it would make things real easy but don't know if it's just a gymic. would like recommendations on what tools work best

 

Speed bleeds have naysayers and backers. Never tried them myself. I use a Mity Vac for a one-man fluid change. Usually have a helper come by and give a few pedal pumps at the end for good measure for the final bleed.

You can really do it with a helper, a wrench, and a bottle to catch the fluid. Clear tubing from the bleeder nipple to a jar is a good way to watch for air pockets and keep things clean.

You definitely want to be changing your fluid on a regular basis living up where you do.

 

You can get some strips at major auto parts stores that you dip into the brake resevoir. The color tells you whether you need to change the fluids.

One of the pressure systems is the best way to bleed'em. Mity Vac also works. I have my wife trained to pump the pedal.

 

Thanks for all the advice guys

 

Thanks for the advise. I got an exellent helper so we will probably do the pump & bleed. We got lots of experiance with that.