In a previous article, we covered the process of changing power steering fluid with the help of a simple turkey baster. When preparing for a brake fluid flush last summer, we considered purchasing a fancy evacuation pump designed to pump out the old brake fluid. As we pondered the process a little further, we elected to use a handy turkey baster to remove the old brake fluid and then conducted a standard brake bleeding procedure.
As car enthusiasts we’re always looking for ways to maintain and improve our vehicles. One tip that gets passed around online is using a turkey baster to replace your brake fluid. But does this turkey baster method actually do anything for your brakes? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Brake Fluid and Why Does it Need to be Replaced?
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in brake systems to transfer force into pressure. It flows through the brake lines and pushes the caliper pistons to clamp the brake pads against the rotors to stop your vehicle.
Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated and degrade. Heat from braking causes the fluid to gradually absorb water from the atmosphere through microscopic pores in the brake hoses and seals. The absorbed water lowers the fluid’s boiling point, which can lead to vapor lock and complete brake failure.
Brake fluid also accumulates dirt, rust particles, and other contaminants that will damage the internal seals and valves in the brake system. For optimum brake performance and safety, the fluid needs to be replaced periodically to flush out these contaminants.
Vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing brake fluid every 2 years or 24,000 miles on average. Some performance-oriented brands like BMW say to change it even more frequently – every 1 year or 15,000 miles.
How to Properly Replace Brake Fluid
Replacing brake fluid isn’t just a matter of pouring new fluid into the reservoir. To completely flush the system of old fluid and debris a brake bleeder tool is used.
Here are the steps to properly bleed the brakes
- Start with a fully depressed brake pedal and clean reservoir filled to the “Full” mark with fresh brake fluid.
- Attach a clear plastic hose to the bleeder screw on the brake caliper farthest from the master cylinder. Submerge the other end of the hose in a jar of brake fluid to capture what is drained.
- Open the bleeder screw and have an assistant slowly pump the brake pedal a few times. This will push new fluid from the reservoir through the lines to flush out the old.
- Close the bleeder screw, then have the assistant press and hold the pedal down. Repeat the pumping and draining process at each subsequent caliper working your way closer to the master cylinder until clean fluid with no air bubbles emerges.
Top off the reservoir as needed between bleeds. Take care not to let it run dry and suck in air. When done, confirm a firm brake pedal before driving.
Where Does the Turkey Baster Method Come In?
The turkey baster method is an attempted shortcut to bleeding brakes. Instead of using a brake bleeder tool, you simply suck old fluid out of the reservoir with a turkey baster and replace it with new fluid.
The idea is that after a few cycles of drawing fluid and adding fresh, the new will gradually make its way through the lines and replace the old. No pesky bleeder screws to open, just suck up and squirt in.
Does the Turkey Baster Trick Actually Work?
The consensus among auto repair experts is that the turkey baster method is ineffective for properly bleeding brakes. Here are some key reasons why:
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Doesn’t flush all the fluid: The turkey baster only draws from the reservoir. It cannot pull fluid from all the brake lines, calipers, and hoses like pressure bleeding does. Pockets of contaminated fluid remain trapped in the system.
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Risk of air ingestion: Using an open reservoir makes it easy to accidentally suck air into the fluid. Air in the lines leads to brake failure. Proper bleeding keeps the system sealed off from air.
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No way to confirm completeness: With pressure bleeding, you open bleeders until you see clean fluid flow. The turkey baster provides no indicator of when the fluid is actually flushed.
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No pedal firmness test: Step-by-step bleeding allows you to test pedal feel in between calipers. The turkey baster bypass this critical confirmation that brakes are bled properly.
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Doesn’t remove contaminants: Simply diluting old fluid with new won’t eliminate particles and deposits that accumulate on brake parts. The pressurized flow of standard bleeding is needed to wash away debris.
So while the turkey baster method may top off some fresh fluid from the reservoir, it fails to properly flush the whole system of old fluid and contaminants as professional bleeding does.
Expert Opinions on the Turkey Baster Method
To back up the technical points, automotive experts unanimously advise against using a turkey baster to bleed brakes:
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“This does not work well at all.” – Mike, certified mechanic of 40 years
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“You need to bleed from the farthest wheel cylinder/caliper outward. A baster will not accomplish this correctly.” – Dennis, ASE master technician
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“Don’t waste your time. Use a brake bleeder machine or do it manually.” – Paul, auto shop owner for 35 years
The verdict is clear from both engineering principles and expert wisdom: the turkey baster shortcut is ineffective compared to proper brake bleeding. Don’t trust your safety to this sketchy DIY method.
Signs Your Brakes Still Need Proper Bleeding
How can you tell if your brakes were bled improperly and still retain contaminated fluid? Watch for these warning signs:
- Brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks to floor
- Need to pump pedal repeatedly to build braking pressure
- Brakes feel weak or lack normal stopping power
- Braking distance is increased
- Brake pedal “fades” with repeated application
- Fluid appears dark, murky, or contaminated
Any of these indicate that the old fluid was not fully flushed from your brake system. The turkey baster trick simply will not adequately bleed the brakes in the way proper bleeding does.
While it seems like a quick and easy DIY shortcut, attempting to use a turkey baster to replace your brake fluid is ineffective and risky. Without pressurized flushing, you won’t fully eliminate old contaminated fluid or trapped air bubbles. This compromises braking power and safety.
Always bleed brakes properly using a brake bleeder tool. Or have it done professionally at a repair shop. Proper bleeding is the only way to guarantee fresh, clean fluid throughout the entire brake system.
Don’t cut corners on maintenance tasks as crucial as brakes. For something as vital as stopping your vehicle, stick to proven repair methods and never safety. Your best bet is to just shell out the money for a professional brake fluid flush if you don’t want to buy the tools and put in the work to do it yourself the right way. Take care of your car and your brakes will take care of you!
Why Change Brake Fluid?
Like any other automotive fluid, brake fluid degrades and deteriorates over time. But what is even worse is that brake fluid attracts moisture. Even though brakes are a sealed system. As brake fluid absorbs moisture, it loses its high temperature resistance and also starts to promote rust and corrosion. Brake fluid should be changed every two years, even if you don’t put big miles on your vehicle. If you haven’t changed your fluid for several years (or ever), you will note the old fluid comes out looking like Coca-Cola, while the new fluid will have a clear or light amber appearance.
Items Needed for a Brake Fluid Change
- The correct grade of brake fluid (DOT3, DOT4 or DOT5) as prescribed by your owners manual or the cap on your brake reservoir.
- Turkey baster for drawing out old fluid from the brake reservoir.
- About 4 feet of clear plastic or rubber tubing with a ¼” inner diameter.
- An empty plastic soda pop bottle with a hole drilled in the cap, allowing the hose to fit tightly through cap.
- A jack with sufficient capacity to raise your vehicle, along with jack-stands and blocks.
- An assistant to manage the brake pedal.
- The correct box-end wrench to open and close bleeder screws.
- Be sure that you have jacks, jack-stands and blocks that are capable of safely raising and holding your car or truck.
- Brake fluid is corrosive to painted surfaces. Be sure to protect any areas that could be exposed to accidental contact.
- During the bleeding process, never let the brake reservoir empty out as the system can draw air.
how to change brake fluid with a turkey baster
FAQ
Can I change brake fluid with turkey baster?
A turkey baster allows you to replace the brake fluid in the master cylinder but not the calipers.Jul 18, 2003
What can I use to remove brake fluid?
1 Answer 1 Most brake fluids are not terribly dangerous. Throw sand on it to absorb anything left, use a grease-cutting cleaner to get rid of the stain. You may wish to try brake cleaner and paper towels. Since brake fluid is water soluble, lots of water could also clean it up.
What is the proper way to dispose of brake fluid?
Pro Tip: You can dispose of brake fluid by pouring it in the waste oil bin at the local parts store since it’s considered no more hazardous than the waste oil.Mar 25, 2024
Should I use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid?
DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids are interchangeable for the most part. DOT 4 has a slightly higher boiling point. 230C for the DOT 4 vs 205C for the DOT 3. Unless you have a high performance car and like to overwork the brakes, you will likely not have a need for the higher boiling point DOT 4.