How Much Brake Fluid

[Harry S.]

Sorry, not near my documentation.

Going to flush the DOT 3 fluid in my 63. How much brake fluid to should I buy/need?

Thanks

[Bob R.]

Re: How Much Brake Fluid

The system doesn't hold that much if you get a 10oz bottle you should have enough

[Don H.]

Re: How Much Brake Fluid

get the big 32oz bottle of Super Tech DOT4 at your friendly local wallyworld.
You need extra to run a good flush through your system.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Dot-4-Brake-Fluid/290538192?irgwc=1&sourceid=imp_3k6xSQxQVxyLWyPwUx0Mo38bUkExlQ1hRT340I0&veh=aff&wmlspartner=imp_2003851&clickid=3k6xSQxQVxyLWyPwUx0Mo38bUkExlQ1hRT340I0&sharedid=

[Patrick H.]

Re: How Much Brake Fluid

As Don mentions, I buy the big bottle, put at least half in my Motive pressure bleeder, and start.
Brake fluid is cheap, and only good for a very short time after opening it. Might as well use what you need.

[Edward J.]

[Duke W.]

Re: How Much Brake Fluid

I believe the system capacity is in the shop manual and AMA specs and is no more than about half a pint.

Whenever doing brake system flushes on any of my cars I run a full quart through to be sure all the old fluid is purged and use DOT 4.

Duke

[Joseph S.]

Re: How Much Brake Fluid

Took a lazy man's route some years ago. Syringe out fluid from the reservoir, fill with fresh fluid, pump the pedal, and repeat the cycle a second time. Old fluid mixes quickly because since the fluid turns dark quickly on the first cycle. Certainly not as effective as proper flushing from the calipers or wheel cylinders, but makes me do it more often. Much easier to do at annual oil change.

[Frank D.]

Re: How Much Brake Fluid

I'd rather end up with extra on the shelf than run short in mid-bleed, not worth it Harry...

[Richard F.]

Re: How Much Brake Fluid

Shop manual says to start with 2 quarts. I figured 1 quart should be enough. I was wrong and caused myself extra work. Still learning.

[Harry S.]

Re: How Much Brake Fluid

I bought a quart of DOT 4. It should be plenty. The old fluid was brown and about 7 years old. While bleeding the system I could not get a decent pedal. Plus, we got what looked like water out of one of the wheel cylinders. Another was just a trickle. We also think one of the wheel cylinders ate itself. Cleaned up and put everything away. I now have 4 new wheel cylinders on order and the front rubber brake lines. Start again next week.

Don't wait too long to check your fluid!

[John M.]

Re: How Much Brake Fluid

Changed brake fluid in my '94 last Fall from DOT 3 to DOT 4. DOT 4 was hard to find in town and I needed enough to give the DOT 3 a good flush. Found 4 bottles of LUCAS Synthetic, bought all but needed more to be on the safe side as I didn't want to run out in the middle of a good flush. Drove 25 miles to the neighboring town and found some more LUCAS at the same named store. I understood that brake fluid in the bottles was more than likely the same regardless of the brand name on the outside of the bottles, just bottled under different names. I had plenty for a complete good flush, with a couple capped and sealed bottles left over. These went back to the store in town along with the receipt for a refund. Use all you open, return those you don't. Works for me.

Seven inches of heavy wet snow fell here in NW Wisconsin a couple days ago. A bit more today. Temps in low 30s daytime lower at night. Salt now on the roads. Corvetting is now over until a few Spring rains flush the roadways!

Save the Wave ................... JGM