The average cost for a brake flush is $72 and the range is generally between $15 and $102.
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Average cost of Brake Fluid Flush for popular vehicle models in Santee:
Toyota Camry
Avg. cost $51
Toyota Corolla
Avg. cost $67
Honda Civic
Avg. cost $62
THE IMPORTANCE OF Brake Fluid Flush
What is a brake fluid flush and how is it done?
The brake system on your vehicle is a hydraulic system consisting of a pump (the master cylinder), a network of tubing that runs along the underbody to each wheel (the brake lines), a pair of brake pads or shoes that create friction when forced against a spinning metal object, and the disc (rotor) or drum against which the pads are squeezed or pressed. The hydraulics are engaged whenever you press on the brake pedal and actuate the master cylinder. The master cylinder, in turn, pumps or puts pressure on the hydraulic oil known as brake fluid that is used to slow and stop your vehicle. Over time, the brake fluid in the system degrades and needs to be replaced. The most complete way to replace the fluid is with a fluid flush service.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
What are the signs that a vehicle needs a brake fluid flush?
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture, and should be changed periodically as part of routine vehicle maintenance. Certain driving conditions can cause your brake fluid to need replacement sooner than might be recommended by the manufacturer. Signs that your brake fluid needs to be replaced include:
The fluid in the master cylinder reservoir appears dirty or discolored, brown or black rather than nearly clear with a yellow tint, or it contains foreign particles
The fluid level in the master cylinder is low, indicating a possible leak that could introduce moisture into the system and contaminate the brake fluid
Your brake pedal feels soft or spongy and the vehicle is difficult to stop
A warning light on the dashboard comes on, either a brake warning light or Check Engine Light
FREQUENCY OF INSPECTION
How does a technician perform Brake Fluid Flush ?
There are two methods to replace brake fluid in a vehicle, bleeding and flushing. Bleeding the brakes involves manually pumping fluid through the brake lines using the brake pedal or allowing gravity to pull brake fluid from the lines. A brake fluid flush involves the use of a power flushing machine that thoroughly removes all of the old brake fluid from the system and replaces it with new fluid without introducing any air into the lines. This is especially helpful for the majority of vehicles that feature antilock brake systems. To perform a brake fluid flush, a mechanic will typically do the following:
Connect power brake flush machine to the master cylinder
Open each of the caliper (or wheel cylinder) bleeder screws to allow fluid to escape the system
Take care to capture the old brake fluid
Pressurize the brake flush machine and system to force out the old fluid and inject the new fluid
Close bleeder screws and disconnect the machine when procedure is complete
Top off fluid level as necessary
Test brake system to verify that no leaks exist
OTHER QUESTIONS CUSTOMERS ASK
Is a brake fluid flush necessary?
The brakes are perhaps the most important safety feature on your vehicle. Ensuring that the hydraulic brake fluid at the core of the system is essential to safe braking, and the way to do that most effectively and efficiently is to schedule for a brake fluid flush service.
Can I do a brake fluid flush myself?
If you are mechanically inclined and have the proper tools and training, you might be able to perform something of a fluid change by bleeding the brakes. However, brake bleeding is not nearly as complete a process as a fluid flush as it does not replace all of the brake fluid in the system. Besides, you cannot perform a brake fluid flush unless you have access to a power flush machine designed for that purpose.
How long does a brake fluid flush take?
It should only take about fifteen to thirty minutes or so for an experienced mechanic using a power flush machine to perform this service. That is significantly less time than it might take to bleed the brakes manually using a two-person method, and especially using gravity to bleed the brakes. A fluid flush is also more thorough that bleeding the brakes.
RELATED SERVICES
What are some other common services related to Brake Fluid Flush?
