Hey Y'all,

Yesterday I changed my brake fluid for the first time in nearly three years (at least). I used a Valvoline synthetic (clear color), and a Mity-vac to pull new fluid through the master cylinder, front calipers, and rear calipers (in that order).

Things went moderately well on the MC and the outside bleed valves on the calipers using the Mity Vac; I had to pump up the vacuum often to get the fluid to pull through, but it was, at least, a good hand strengthening exercise!

So, I bled all around the outsides of the calipers, then went back 'round to do the inside bleed (again, front-to-back order). Even with nearly the full 30hg of vacuum on the Mity-Vac, I couldn't draw the fluid. Luckily my brother stopped by, and we employed the tried-and-true pedal pumping technique.

Now to the real point of my post.... Is it possible that the changing of the fluid could have eliminated my pad squeal?

Last year, I got sick of hearing the squealing when braking, so I pulled the pads and, not having the vibration dampers, used some of that red goo anti-squeal stuff. It worked for about 2 weeks. Having just test driven the car after the fluid change, you can understand that I am quite surprised not to hear the noise now.

Can I expect this happy consequence to endure?

Thanks!

 

Sure it could. Becasue we have multi-piston brakes, if the clamping force is uneven, it could cause the pad to vibrate and cause moan or squeal. If there was moisture or other contaminants in the fluid, a good flush could have cleared that up. However, my bet is that if you were sqealing before, you'll sqeal again soon. I hope I'm wrong.

P.s. So did you get the 1st off?

 

Hi Chad, I would recommend that you refill the system with ATE super blue racing, I have seen a few instances where the synthetic fluid makes the internal rubbers of the brake master swell , if this has happened you should notice the brake pedal being a little bit higher, FYI, Stan