Hydraulic Brake System Flushing
- Inspect the brake fluid for the following conditions, indicating brake fluid contamination:
Fluid separation, indicating 2 types of fluid are present; a substance other than the recommended brake fluid has been introduced into the brake hydraulic system. Swirled appearance - oil-based substance. Layered appearance - silicone-based substance.
Fluid discoloration, indicating the presence of moisture or particles that have been introduced into the brake hydraulic system. Cloudy appearance - moisture. Dark appearance/suspended particles in fluid - dirt, rust, corrosion, brake dust.
- Inspect the master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm and the reservoir-to-master cylinder grommets for swelling, indicating brake fluid contamination.
- If the brake fluid WAS contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based substance, indicated by fluid separation and/or a swollen master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm and/or swollen reservoir-to-master cylinder grommets, perform the following:
- Remove ALL of the following components listed from the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber seals/linings which have been contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system.
- MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT
- BRAKE HOSE - FRONT SINGLE PISTON CALIPER
- BRAKE HOSE - FRONT DUAL PISTON CALIPER
- BRAKE HOSE - REAR
- BRAKE CALIPER - FRONT SINGLE PISTON
- BRAKE CALIPER - FRONT DUAL PISTON
- BRAKE CALIPER - REAR
- WHEEL CYLINDER
- Also see BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE REPLACEMENT, in appropriate ANTI-LOCK article.
- Clean out all the hydraulic brake pipes using denatured alcohol, or equivalent.
- Dry the brake pipes using non-lubricated, filtered air.
- Repair or replace ALL of the following components listed and install them to the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber seals/linings which have been contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system:
- MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT
- MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR
- BRAKE HOSE - FRONT SINGLE PISTON CALIPER
- BRAKE HOSE - FRONT DUAL PISTON CALIPER
- BRAKE HOSE - REAR
- BRAKE CALIPER OVERHAUL - FRONT SINGLE PISTON
- BRAKE CALIPER OVERHAUL - FRONT DUAL PISTON
- BRAKE CALIPER - FRONT SINGLE PISTON
- BRAKE CALIPER - FRONT DUAL PISTON
- BRAKE CALIPER OVERHAUL - REAR
- BRAKE CALIPER - REAR and/or WHEEL CYLINDER
- Remove ALL of the following components listed from the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber seals/linings which have been contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system.
- If the brake fluid was NOT contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based substance, but WAS contaminated with water or dirt, rust, corrosion, and/or brake dust, replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm. The diaphragm may have allowed the moisture or particles to enter the hydraulic system.
- Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Delco Supreme 11®, GM P/N 12377967, or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
- Pressure bleed the hydraulic brake system. Begin the procedure with the pressure bleeder reservoir filled to the maximum-fill level with the correct brake fluid as indicated. See HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM - MANUAL or HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM - PRESSURE .