I am past due for the biannual brake fluid replacement. I have done my due diligence and have searched the forums for the answer to this question, but have not gotten clarification.

Reading through the Bentley manual, it says to use the scan tool to open up the ABS during the bleeding process. All of the threads I have read on this have not mentioned using the scan tool.

Is this scan tool necessary or can I do this properly with just the power bleeder?

Thanks.

 

Last time I did a brake fluid flush on the 08 S I did not do that step (and didn't see it in the Bentley manual, woops) and the brakes seem fine. I don't think it's necessary

 

The small amount in the ABS unit will get diluted by the new. I also just used a Motive pressure bleeder, and the fluid in the reservoir is still the same color it was when I put it in 2 years ago. The important part of a fluid replacement is to flush out the calipers and master cylinder, where there is more chance of moisture infiltration or temperature abuse. FWIW, the dealer did a flush under original warranty on my 2008 in early 2011. I replaced the pads and wear sensors in 2014, and did a flush and it was near impossible to see the new fluid vs the old fluid when I flushed. But we only drive about 4k miles a year on it, and it sees no real extreme brake use. The recommendation to flush the fluid is good, but should be tempered with miles vs time vs hard use, not just the 2 year time frame.

 

I agree.....I alternate between Ate amber and Ate blue .....probably a little bit obsessive, but I like to see the "new" color come all the way through the caliper bleeder. I really appreciate the Motive pressure bleeder....have never used a scan tool and have bled brakes on our Mini's many times....

 

If you have a source of the ATE blue brake fluid please share. Cannot be sourced here in the states any longer.

 

Great suggestion on the blue fluid. I'd love to hear if it is available here and where to look for it.

It sounds like the Bentley manual is saying to use the scan tool so that all the old fluid is removed. I had considered that it may also have been because using a power bleeder while not having the ABS valves open could cause damage to the valves, but there doesn't seem to be any concerns about that here.

Thanks for all the info.

 

I see what you mean - I bought some and had it on the shelf....didn't realize that it had been outlawed in the US. Too bad....

 

When flushing the brake fluid should I flush the clutch slave cylinder?

 

Yes, for the same reason you're flushing the brakes. It is usually very easy. However, if you get air in the line (not likely) you will need to be able to push it up to the master from the slave. I think BavAuto has a good video on this on YouTube.

 

Thank you, that's what I was thinking since the line is in the Master Cylinder.