Is a Flushing Machine Used for Brake Fluid Replacement?
2 Answers
Brake fluid replacement does not use a flushing machine. Instead, it involves stepping on the brake pedal while adding new fluid and simultaneously draining the old fluid, essentially pushing out the old fluid with the new one. This process typically requires two to three people to operate. Introduction to Brake Fluid: Brake fluid, also known as hydraulic brake fluid, comes in three types. When purchasing, it is important to choose a reliable manufacturer, and the higher the grade, the better. The working pressure in the braking system is generally 2MPa, and can reach as high as 4-5MPa. All liquids have the characteristic of being incompressible. In a sealed container or a fluid-filled pipeline, when pressure is applied to the liquid, it quickly and uniformly transmits the pressure to all parts of the liquid. Hydraulic braking operates based on this principle. Function of Brake Fluid: Within the braking system, brake fluid serves as a medium for force transmission. Because liquids cannot be compressed, the pressure output from the master cylinder is directly transmitted through the brake fluid to the wheel cylinders.
Using a brake fluid flush machine is a good practice when changing brake fluid, especially if you go to a professional auto repair shop. I've been in this business for many years and have seen many cases of manual fluid changes. Some people simply use a syringe to extract old fluid from the bleeder screw and add new fluid, but this method can leave air bubbles or residual fluid uncleaned. The flush machine uses a pump pressure system to rinse the entire pipeline, completely removing old fluid and eliminating air bubbles, which is particularly important for brake safety. Think about it - brake fluid has strong water absorption and will contain moisture after two or three years of use, corroding components and causing failure. It's not absolutely necessary, as manual changes can suffice, but for safety reasons, I recommend prioritizing shops with proper equipment. The cost is only about 100 yuan more. Change the fluid regularly every two years to maintain brake responsiveness - never compromise on driving safety.
