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Bleeding brake fluid after track event

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Old 06-04-2014, 01:54 PM
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BlueJay73
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Default Bleeding brake fluid after track event

Track guys:
Is it necessary to bleed/flush the brakes after every track event?
I use ATE Super Gold.
Just tracked Road Atlanta for two days with its heavy braking zone approaching 10A.
Have not-lightened 2011 C2S coupe with Pagid yellows.
Thanks for input and advice.
Old 06-04-2014, 02:26 PM
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RickBetterley
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I think it is a good idea and have (almost) always done so.
Also a good time to get the car on jackstands and look around.
Old 06-04-2014, 03:21 PM
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certz
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^ Agreed - I at bleed if not a full flush depending on how the track day went. Definitely take a look around underneath. I got back from the Watkins Glen CR Monday night and found a broken rear drop link today. I was wondering why the car developed such a nasty push late in the enduro...
Old 06-04-2014, 04:14 PM
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bgiere
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As long as your fluid is not old and full of mositure, bleeding after every event is probably a waste of time...If you are getting a spongy pedal switch to SRF or Endless racing fluid. Fresh fluid should be fine for awhile...That does not mean that you don't have to inspect the brake components and have a good look around every every event though.
Old 06-04-2014, 04:29 PM
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kurt M
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If at all or as required before is better than after.
Old 06-04-2014, 04:32 PM
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John's 991
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I think it is a good idea and have (almost) always done so.
Also a good time to get the car on jackstands and look around.
+1

It won't do any harm to bleed the brakes after a track day, and taking a good look at the tires wheels, brakes, etc. is also a good idea. I also like to measure the brake pad to be sure I know what is left and see how much I used.
Old 06-04-2014, 04:32 PM
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911 Rod
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Did the pedal feel change from the beginning to the end of the weekend?
If so, yes I would.
Old 06-04-2014, 06:52 PM
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jrgordonsenior
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Originally Posted by bgiere
As long as your fluid is not old and full of mositure, bleeding after every event is probably a waste of time...If you are getting a spongy pedal switch to SRF or Endless racing fluid. Fresh fluid should be fine for awhile...That does not mean that you don't have to inspect the brake components and have a good look around every every event though.
+996. Switch to a better fluid and just change it annually.....
Old 06-04-2014, 07:14 PM
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Tim Webb
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People telling you to change it once a year are nuts. Bleed it after every event. It gives you the opportunity to check the system and all things brake and gives you piece of mind.

Loosing your brakes or having them go soft at the wrong time can be very expensive. This little maintenance job is cheap and requires very little time.

Don't skimp!
Old 06-04-2014, 07:40 PM
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KaiB
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I bleed after every race weekend.

Car up on stands, peace of mind and a chance to go through everything. Costs me a pint of fluid and 15 minutes.
Old 06-04-2014, 07:41 PM
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CCA
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Bleed them before the track events. If you had no issues with peddle feel during the event then don't worry about them after the event.
Old 06-04-2014, 07:46 PM
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Add up those $15 cans of ATE and you could have purchased in nice jug of Castrol SRF.
If you have good cooling and no braking issues it will last a long time.
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Old 06-04-2014, 08:40 PM
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jrgordonsenior
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Originally Posted by Tim Webb
People telling you to change it once a year are nuts.
Confucius say "man walking round with hands in pockets not crazy, just feeling nuts"...

Hell I've gone well over a year on SRF without fade. Maybe you should brake less but that's probably nuts too....
Old 06-04-2014, 08:50 PM
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MUSSBERGER
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Originally Posted by KaiB
I bleed after every race weekend.

Car up on stands, peace of mind and a chance to go through everything. Costs me a pint of fluid and 15 minutes.
Yup. Its not just about the brakes. Or let your shop do it when they inspect before an event. Doesn't cost much and helps create goodwill. You know..... you're just not there for the free look.
Old 06-05-2014, 08:58 AM
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KaiB
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Originally Posted by jrgordonsenior
Maybe you should brake less but that's probably nuts too....
JR, the only thing nuts about Tim is the demonic speed he can carry around a track. He's a Nat level SCCA shoe and a great coach, currently working with Nate Stacy on the hunt for a top spot with Pirelli WC.

Although I do bleed after each event, I'll agree that it's probably not absolutely necessary (with the right fluids) - BUT, a through systems check is.


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