How often is brake bleeding/flushing necessary?

[Ryan P]

Quick question for the experts in here. I do a few track events a year with the car (17 GT with PP). The last event I had was in May (schedule didn't allow any more events during the summer), and I flushed the system with Motul RBF 660 right before hand. I have an event coming up in two weeks. Is it safe to use the same fluid? Is it worth flushing again? How often is flushing really necessary?

Sponsored

 

[Mountain376]

Quick question for the experts in here. I do a few track events a year with the car (17 GT with PP). The last event I had was in May (schedule didn't allow any more events during the summer), and I flushed the system with Motul RBF 660 right before hand. I have an event coming up in two weeks. Is it safe to use the same fluid? Is it worth flushing again? How often is flushing really necessary?

This is fluid dependent, really.

With the Motul and most other DOT-4 performance fluids, I would go by 1. (first) the # of track events (days) and then 2. (second) by time on the fluid (months) for flushes.
1. At 4-5 events
2. After around 6-8 months (the longer, the more thorough of a flush).

With Castrol SRF, you can leave it in for a year (1) to about a year and a half (1.5) max.

Overall, you should be bleeding at least every other event, with the best practice being before every event.

In your particular case, I would do a break bleed, note what the fluid looks like. If it looks to be fairly clean and clear, just do a good bleeding. If it looks a bit dirty, then do a thorough bleed until you see clean fluid; top the fluid off when done (stay a bit under the MAX mark for heat expansion).

 

[NightmareMoon]

Bleed after each event to get rid of bubbles. Sometimes between days or sessions.

Flush more infrequently (see above) to get rid of moisture and old fluid.

 

[Austinj427]

I generally run type 200 about 2-3 track days with OEM pads and if I'm running a more track focused pad, every other day.

Currently the car has 660 in it but it's got 3 days on it more or less.

 

[Ryan P]

Bleed after each event to get rid of bubbles. Sometimes between days or sessions.

Flush more infrequently (see above) to get rid of moisture and old fluid.

This is fluid dependent, really.

With the Motul and most other DOT-4 performance fluids, I would go by 1. (first) the # of track events (days) and then 2. (second) by time on the fluid (months) for flushes.
1. At 4-5 events
2. After around 6-8 months (the longer, the more thorough of a flush).

With Castrol SRF, you can leave it in for a year (1) to about a year and a half (1.5) max.

Overall, you should be bleeding at least every other event, with the best practice being before every event.

In your particular case, I would do a break bleed, note what the fluid looks like. If it looks to be fairly clean and clear, just do a good bleeding. If it looks a bit dirty, then do a thorough bleed until you see clean fluid; top the fluid off when done (stay a bit under the MAX mark for heat expansion).

Thanks for the advice. I'll do a bleed and take note of the fluid color. Like I said, I have one track event on the car, and about 4 months of sitting. I haven't really driven more than a few hundred miles since then, so my guess is the fluid is fine to use. Better safe than sorry though.

 

[Mountain376]

Thanks for the advice. I'll do a bleed and take note of the fluid color. Like I said, I have one track event on the car, and about 4 months of sitting. I haven't really driven more than a few hundred miles since then, so my guess is the fluid is fine to use. Better safe than sorry though.

Sounds good!

Sponsored