Ford Versus Ferrari Question

[vette]

Of course, we all know private shops and dealers would never take shortcuts on jobs they do all the time, right? If someone opened up my brake system and didn't bleed afterwards I would never use that shop again; just because you can get away with it 999 times out of a thousand doesn't mean it's the proper procedure (and the plaintiff's lawyer in a lawsuit would bring it up if there was an accident involving the brakes, and you wouldn't want me on the jury).

How often do you swap out calipers? I've had mine off once in 35years/145K miles for rebuild--that I can recall, at least--but I've had to replace several clutch and brake cylinders. The job just isn't done that often, you've got the car up on jackstands or a lift with the wheels off, why wouldn't you take 20 minutes to bleed/flush the system while you're at it? All the shop manuals I've read, for several makes, specify a complete fluid flush every 2-3 years. That may be overkill but you can't say it's a bad idea; DoT 3&4 are hygroscopic--they absorb atmospheric moisture readily (read the label on the bottle)--and DoT 5 causes moisture to pool in the low spots. Suspension and brakes are no place to half-ass a job; if the engine doesn't start you don't go, but if the brakes fail you don't stop.

In the movies or on the track, you might get away with a somewhat softer pedal for a few miles; it's a calculated risk. Not worth it on a 'family' car.

OK.

 

[HealeyPassion]

Great thread with super links to excellent articles! Thanks Lin for starting this!

Steve

 

[bob hughes]

The job just isn't done that often, you've got the car up on jackstands or a lift with the wheels off, why wouldn't you take 20 minutes to bleed/flush the system while you're at it?

.

I flush my brake system every year as part prep for our MOT certificate. All lighting and the windscreen washer gets an annual check as well. My washer has been electrified and gave me a bit of a shock finding how long it takes to get the pump to self prime - it does not get used that often.



Bob

 

[steveg]

This appears to be the book the movie's based upon. A great read - a real page turner: