I want to do a full system flush with a motive bleeder when I get home today, but I'm worried the 1 liter can of ATE I've got won't suffice. Does anyone know if 1 liter of fluid is sufficient to flush the whole system?

 

I'd get at least 2 litres, maybe 3. It's good to keep flushing until the brake fluid comes out clean, so you need more than capacity.

Joe.

 

What's capacity? Also, can I mix different brands of DOT 4 fluid?

 

When I did mine, it took about a litre. Did you get the blue or the gold? Make sure its "dark" at each corner if you got the blue and if its gold, make sure its really "light".

Quantity is more dependant on previous maint.

I do mine every two years and it usually takes just under a litre per attempt. I switch back and forth between the blue and the gold.

 

I'm pretty sure the fluid in the car has been there for the last 96 thousand miles. I bought the blue fluid but based on Hulio's recommendation, I bought another 2 liters for almost 18 dollars. Hopefully I really don't need any more than 1 liter so I don't have to open the other two bottles.

 

Just finished flushing the system. Brakes feel great!

BUT, I used WAY more fluid then I needed. You don't need a whole liter to flush the whole system whatsoever, let alone 2 or 3. The output from the bleeder screw turns blue fairly quickly. Wasted quite a bit of fluid, enough to do my moms Maxima.

 

took me two bottles of ATE blue

i can admit i wasted a bit but i wanted to be 100% sure

 

Wasteful, imo.
I think I'm going to call the dealership and try to find out how much fluid it takes to completely fill the brake system in our cars.

 

Why not check the FSM ?

 

yea i kno....im far from being a pro, this was my first time EVER doing my brakes, and bleeding.....eh, im learning as i go along...and considering it was my first time ever, i did pretty good....

2 months no problems so far

 

How often are you supposed to flush your brake fluid system? I've never heard of this before.

 

I would suggest doing it annually or bi-annually depending on your humidity level! I use synthetic and I can build moisture inside so I change my brake fluid annually, I'm in a high humid area ( the 3rd coast)

 

bleeding the brakes. google it or search it on here.

basically you pump the brake fluid out your bleeder screw, refill in reservoir, rinse and repeat until new fluid comes out the screw.