Brake Fluid, Replacing

Brake fluid, replacing

Guidelines for brake fluid replacement




Brake fluid should be changed every two years. If the car is driven in a manner that requires frequent and heavy braking, such as driving in mountainous terrain or in a tropical climate with high humidity, the fluid should be changed every year.

Background
The oil must be replaced because it is hygroscopic (the fluid absorbs water molecules from the air). This absorption of water occurs through the brake hoses and brake fluid reservoir. These components are rubber and plastic respectively and are not completely sealed against water molecules. An increased water content in the brake fluid dramatically reduces its boiling point and causes corrosion in the brake system components. This results in damage to the brake system. Braking performance deteriorates markedly.

Note! Use only Volvo Genuine brake fluid (Volvo DOT 4+). Never reuse brake fluid. Always keep brake fluid well sealed in its original packaging.

Note! Continually check that there is sufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir when replacing brake fluid.

Preparations for changing, front




Switch off the ignition.
Clean around the brake fluid reservoir filler cap.
Raise the car.

Take out:
- a collecting bottle and hose to collect brake fluid in
- a G-clamp.
Remove the protective cap from the bleed nipple.
Connect the collecting bottle hose.

Changing the brake fluid, front




Open the bleed nipple, approximately one turn.
Press in the brake calliper piston to the bottom of the calliper. Use G-clamp as illustrated. Leave the G-clamp in pushed in position.
Press down the brake pedal to the limit position. Keep it pressed down for approximately 2 seconds before releasing it. Repeat this until new brake fluid enters.
Close the bleed nipple when the brake pedal is fully depressed.

Remove:
- the hose. Install the protective cap
- the G-clamp from the brake calliper.

Finishing work, front
See Replacing the brake fluid (using a bleeding unit) Replacing the Brake Fluid (Using A Bleeding Unit).

Preparations for replacement, rear
Switch off the ignition.
Clean around the brake fluid reservoir filler cap.

Raise the car

Take out:
- a collecting bottle and hose to collect brake fluid in
- a jimmy
- a large pipe spanner.

Remove the brake calliper
See Brake pads rear, replacing Brake Pads, Rear.

Press the piston into the brake calliper
See Replacing the brake fluid (using a bleeding unit) Replacing the Brake Fluid (Using A Bleeding Unit).

Install a jimmy bar




Insert the jimmy between the brake pads (as a counterhold) to keep the piston in.

Replacing brake fluid, rear




Remove the protective cap from the bleed nipple.
Connect the collecting bottle hose.
Press down the brake pedal fully. Keep it pressed down for approximately 2 seconds before releasing it. Repeat this until new brake fluid enters.
Close bleed nipple when the brake pedal is fully depressed.

Remove:
- the hose and install the protective cap
- the collecting bottle.

Install the brake calliper
See Brake pads rear, replacing Brake Pads, Rear.

Finishing work
See Replacing the brake fluid (using a bleeding unit) Replacing the Brake Fluid (Using A Bleeding Unit).