Change of brake fluid
The first cars with internal combustion engines, which appeared at the end of the century before last, could run up to an absolutely unimaginable speed – more than 10 km / h. It seems to be a small speed, but it was enough for injuries incompatible with life.
Around the same time Frederick William Lanchester, who understood the danger of the car, patented the first disc brake. The device was developed specially for daredevils who liked to “speed” on the road. This is how the history of the first braking systems began.
Nowadays, the topic of correct and reliable work of braking elements is extremely important. With each decade, speeds are increasing like yeast, sometimes reaching quite cosmic figures. Under such conditions, the brake becomes a key link in the life of the car.
Because the lives of the people around the car and those inside depend on it.
German technology is one of the most advanced on the world market. But even they require careful monitoring. The Volkswagen Polo, produced since 1975, is one of the most popular models in Europe and Russia. The braking mechanisms of the Polo sedan, sprinkled with a multitude of auxiliary systems of course stabilization, have approximately the same scheme of operation, applicable to other modern brands of cars.
The principle of the brake system
The principle is simple: under pressure, the caliper mechanism works – the brake pads, installed on both sides, clamp the rotating brake disc, and the car begins to reduce speed.
In doing so, the interaction of the device heats up a lot. The more intense the braking, the higher the heating temperature of the pads and the faster the deformation and wear of the brake system components.
In addition, moisture can penetrate into the system through small cracks in the hoses, which significantly reduces the boiling point of the brake fluid, which negatively affects the behavior of the car.
Getting air inside also worsens the performance of the device – the brake/clutch pedal becomes “soft”, the braking performance is reduced.
For the Volkswagen Polo sedan, the frequency of replacement depends on the degree of operation of the car. The more kilometers the car drives, the more often it is necessary to check the condition of the brake system. The standard for the Polo sedan is once every 2 years.
There are many types of brake fluid on the market. The most common is DOT 4 – a universal product for modern cars, sold in all corners of the world. This original preparation, which guarantees a high degree of safety on the road, is ideal for the Polo sedan.
Step-by-step replacement guide
Full replacement involves working with the tank where the brake fluid is stored, as well as pumping the hydraulic brake system and clutch of the sedan.
In the process of replacement will require the following things: brake fluid, a wrench “11”, screwdriver, syringe, elastic transparent hose and a small container.
The easiest way to change the old fluid to the new one in the tank. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- We put the car on the observation pit.
- Open the hood, find the tank with a yellow cap – it is a container that contains the brake fluid.
After all the steps, you should immediately begin pumping the hydraulic brake system of the sedan. There is a certain sequence to be followed here. The replacement takes place first on the right rear mechanism, then on the left front mechanism, then on the left rear and finally on the right front device.
It is imperative to check the “brake” level in the reservoir before working.
In the process of pumping the right rear wheel will need an assistant:
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We clean the pumping connector from dirt and remove the protective cap.
The same actions should be performed with the remaining brakes of the sedan. An important point in the procedure is to constantly monitor the level of brake fluid in the tank. If it has dropped, the tank should be refilled with the required amount of fluid.
The third step in replacing the “brakes” is to pump the hydraulic clutch actuator on the Polo sedan.
Before beginning also check the level of the solution in the tank. All actions should be carried out in pair with an assistant.
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First of all, it is necessary to remove the protective cap from the fitting on the main clutch cylinder.
This is not the only option for the fluid replacement operation. The entire procedure can be performed by yourself without assistance:
- The car should be placed on an inspection pit so that you can move freely between all the brake circuits of the wheels.
- Use a normal syringe to siphon out the old solution and top up with the new one.
- Put small rubber tubes on all four nozzles, directing their free ends to the transparent containers.
- Use a wrench to unscrew all the connectors.
- Monitor simultaneously the filling of the vessels with old fluid and the condition of the tank under the hood. It is important not to let the latter dry out. For this purpose periodically pour in new solution.
- The fastest “use up” the fluid is the connection of the front left wheel. As soon as there is about 200 ml of fluid in the reservoir, you can close the mechanism.
- Then wait for pumping of the front right cylinder. When about 200 ml of fluid has accumulated in the reservoir, the nozzle can be closed.
- The same procedure applies to the remaining two wheels.
- Tighten all the connectors tightly and place the protective caps on them.
- Finally check the level of brake fluid in the tank.
Timely monitoring of the braking system on the Polo sedan is the key to safe and confident driving in extreme situations. At emergency braking without properly pumped “brakes” the driver will not be saved even by modern technologies (such as antilock system), used in most foreign cars.
You can see the general principle of replacing the brake fluid by watching the following video:
VAG B000750M3 brake fluid replacement on VW Polo Sedan without an assistant.
Changing the brake fluid in the VW Polo Sedan without an assistant. Greetings all! In the DAS Blog. It’s time for a brake fluid change, been a little overdue for half a year. Yes, and brakes somehow worse, the brake pedal became softer.
According to service regulations: Manufacturer recommends the first replacement of the brake fluid on a new car after three years of operation, all subsequent changes – in two years.
For self-substitution we will need: Brake Fluid DOT4 Brake Fluid VAG B000750M3 1L. Spare tire with a pressure of 1.5 atm. Cap from Lukoil bottle. PVC pipe 1 meter. (from tank to tank) PVC pipe 40cm. (for drainage of brake fluid) Nipple for a disk. Nozzle from the pump. enema. Phillips 8mm x 10mm wrench. Slotted wrench 9mm x 11mm. Bottle for draining brake fluid. Two hands free. Desire!
Refinement of the lid from the Lukoil canister. The threads fit perfectly, but the height is too big. Cut off the bottom 3 mm, on the first thread. In addition, cut the gasket from 2 mm rubber. I dabbed the nipple with sealant. Holds 1.5 atm easy!
Let’s begin! Take out brake fluid from the tank. We got 250 ml.
Fresh B000750M3, I filled it up to the top.
Connecting the circuit. In the process change hose to plain PVC. Reinforced one was too stiff, it didn’t crimp on the connector, it blew.
Procedure of pumping brake system on VW Polo Sedan. 5-й. Bonus, pumping the hydraulic clutch actuator.
On the rear, a spanner on 8. Unscrew 1/2-3/4 turn on the pumping nozzle. Drained 200 ml. There was air in the form of small bubbles in the beginning. Handy can with a scale. Filled it up. The reservoir pressure was 1.2 atm.
On the front left, drained 150 ml. No air. Wrench on the 11.
Rear left, no picture, didn’t get any air. But there was a lot of air. Same as the front right.
I waited until the bubbles ran out. Don’t forget to tighten the fittings and put the protective caps back on!
Bottom line on the brakes: Fill up the brake fluid after each wheel. The pressure in the spare is less than 1 atm. I pumped it twice. Don’t count on 1 liter being enough. In my case, I had 1.2 liters. Too much air in second circuit. After starting don’t forget to depress brake pedal a few times!
Pumping of hydraulic clutch on VW Polo sedan. It is located under the battery. Key on 11. It is necessary to establish below a level of the socket. Due to the inaccessibility did not make a photo. There was no air. Drapped 100 ml.
Checked the brake pads. Remainder 7mm. Mileage is 57,000 miles.
Got some brake fluid in the glass, much darker than the system.
Cleaned the trunk, but that’s another story.
All in good braking distance!
Car parts
Volkswagen Polo Sedan 2012, engine Gasoline 1.6 liter. 105 hp. front drive, Manual – scheduled maintenance
Comments 65
Did you pump all of the fluid out of the tank or did you leave it at the bottom?
I.e. did you pump it out to the maximum? You are not going to let air in the cylinder.
Yes, max. Why should it swallow? Fill it up straight away.
And in what sequence did you pump the system?
Is that from the ZR manual? It’s not the same as the ELSA manual.
Do it according to the ELSA. But, pumping in any car starts from the far point to the near one.
The hell knows how it is arranged. Logically, it is…
No logic. Just experience. Two circuits. 1 Left front – Rear right. 2. Front right – Rear left. The whole circuit.
Rising from Elsa. the rigor in the title is frightening :))))) Pumping
Strictly follow the procedure for pumping the brake system.
– Connect the charging and bleeding braking system -VAS 5234- or -V.A.G 1869-.
– Open the pumping connections in the order shown and bleed the brake cylinders/supports.
1 – Rear left brake cylinder
2 – Front left brake caliper
3 – Front right brake caliper
4 – Rear right brake cylinder
Use a suitable pumping hose. This must fit tightly on the bleeder fitting so that no air can enter the brake system.
– The pumping connection of the brake caliper with the reservoir hose connected should remain open until fluid flows out without bubbles.
Do you have this device? I don’t think so. Then use your hands!
There’s a pen in there, too: The final pumping.
You need a second mechanic to do this job:
– Press down hard and hold the brake pedal.
– Open the pumping connection of the brake cylinder/suppport.
– The force of the applied force should cause the pedal to move down as far as it will go.
– Close the pumping connection while the pedal is depressed.
– Slowly release the brake pedal.
Repeat this process 5 times for each brake caliper.
1 – Rear left brake cylinder
2 – Front left brake caliper
3 – Front right brake caliper
4 – Rear right brake cylinder
Perform a test drive after the pumping. If you have ABS, you must brake at least once to activate the ABS!
Do you have this device? I don’t think so. Then use your hands!
table of contents : Brake and clutch system: changing the brake fluid
t Never allow brake fluid to become contaminated with fluids containing mineral oil (fuel, lubricants, cleaners). Mineral oils will damage the seals and lip seals on the brake system.
t Brake fluid is poisonous. In addition, brake fluid must not come into contact with the paintwork of the vehicle, as this would damage the paintwork.
t Brake fluid is hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs moisture from the ambient air and must therefore always be stored in sealed containers.
t Wash off any spilled brake fluid with plenty of water.
t Observe the regulations for the disposal of waste materials!
Only VW 501 14 -B 000 750- brake fluid should be used for this vehicle.
Required special tools, testing and measuring equipment, as well as accessories
t Brake filler and bleeder -VAS 5234- W00-11277
t Air vent wrench -VAS 5519-
I think these “special tools” will be enough to replace the ordinary inflated spare tire! but the order is still not clear
