Change of brake fluid

[t_marat]

I am going to change the brake and clutch fluid. As far as I know they are the same.
I read in bmwe34.net that the order should be rear right, rear left, front right and front left. However, for the clutch, where is the bleeding screw (or whatever) is located? Anything special I should look out for? Mine is a rh with manual transmission.

I don't have any problems with brakes or clutch. But I think the fluid has not been changed for at least two years.

[neil_004]

Part 15 (http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HB52&mospid=47370&btnr=21_0054&hg=21&fg=10)

Looks like the fluid is seperate from the brake system. I had always thought it was the same.. part 24 looks like a seperate reservoir.

[t_marat]

From bmwe34.net it seems like they share the reservoir.
http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/brakes/bleeding.htm

[zman-95-540i]

On the 540 there is a separate reservoir for the clutch. Not sure of others.

[neil_004]

I looked up an early euro build 520i RHD in real oem. The RHD looks like the reason for the extra reservoir.
Realoem does not list the reservoir in the part list for the same build date LHD car.
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HB51&mospid=47370&btnr=21_0054&hg=21&fg=10

Is the brake booster on the right hand side of a RHD car? If so they probably didnt want to run a line that far to reach the clutch.

[t_marat]

I am planning to put in Castrol DOT4 brake fluid. I also saw a DOT3/4 Valvoline fluid, cheaper. Guess the Castrol one is better?

[neil_004]

You are talking about your brakes. Dosent take that much fluid to do the change. Pay for the one that makes you feel safer.

[t_marat]

Didn't think of the obvious. How much fluid will I need?

[632 Regal]

get 2 quarts. 1 can do it but if you over bleed you may run out.

[neil_004]

I think I went through about 24oz or two little bottles doing mine(wasted a good bit in the process).
Buy 1 more than you think you might use and return it if you dont use it.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

It took just about a 3/4 of a quart bottle, but I really flush the lines until I see clean fluid.

[t_marat]

So far suggested volume range is from 1 liter to more than 2 liters. He he he :)
Will just buy 2 liters. They are not that expensive.

So the brake fluid and the clutch fluid is the same, right?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

same reservoir

I bought 2 quarts too, but used 3/4 of one....I kept the full bottle for later.

[neil_004]

Take a look at your car. If you have the seperate reservoir that Realoem shows it should have the proper fluid listed on the cap (probably brake fluid). If you do not have that part then just brake fluid.

[zman-95-540i]

Sorry for the stupid question but... if I have the separate reservoir for clutch fluid can I flush the brakes without touching the clutch?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

since your there, and in the mood for some bleeding might as well get them both done.

It's good for the system, fresh brake fluid helps preserve the system.

[zman-95-540i]

Thanks Bob. I will likely do them both but I was just curious if they were somehow connected.

[BillionPa]

remove all fluid from reservoir (till it gets to the bottom)

fill reservoir to max.

bleed brakes in correct order.

pressure test the pedal and check for leaks from all the calipers.

one week later bleed the brakes again (no need to drain the reservoir this time)

if you dont have speed bleeders, make sure you have another person helping, and for god sakes use a tube on the bleed screw!

[t_marat]

I had the procedure done by a mechanic. But he did it in a different way. He lifted the car, loosenned the bleeding screws on the calipers, clutch slave cylinder and let the fluid drip. Topped the fluid as necessary.

Fluid hasn't been changed for at least 2 years, probably 3 years. But it looked clear and the same yellowish color as the Mobil DOT4 that I used. Guess the brake and clutch cylinders are in excellent condition :)
Clutch feels much better now, softer.