Brake Fluid Flush

M

markehz

Member
Location
Montreal, CA
I'm about to do a brake fluid flush on my 2008 AWD FX35, but I'm stop because I don't find where to disconnect the ABS actuator and control unit. The service manual asks to do this or disconnect the negative from the battery before doing the bleeding. This last is the easiest choice but you loose all the radio, seat, etc memories by disconnecting the battery.
Anyone can guide me where this connector is?
Thanks
 
Hmmm, I'm doing this tomorrow actually and was just going to disconnect the battery for simplicities sake. The 350Z FSM actually only mentions to unplug the battery cable.
 
I have done so many FX brake fluid flush that I never disconnect anything. Just be sure the to keep the fluid reservoir full at all time while you crack open those bleeder screws.
 
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Andy, did you use a Motive power bleeder for your changes? Also, what order did you do the brakes in? I have heard right rear, left rear, right front, left front because it's farthest to closest from the reservoir. However, the FSM says Right rear brake → Left front brake → Left rear brake → Right front brake. However, this is using their method with pumping the brakes and all that so I'm wondering if maybe the furthest to closest method works best with the Motive bleeder. Thanks!

Also, anyone know the size hose needed to bleed at the caliper? I totally blanked on needing that, and the bleeder I borrowed didn't happen to have one.
 
I use this "one man bleeder" from harbor freight with air compressor. http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html
I do the old fashion way by starting with the furthest to the closest caliper (rear right, rear left, front right, and front left). A regular aquarium air hose works on the bleeder screw.

Honestly, if you read the FSM, the "drain and fill" and the "bleeding" section is the same procedures, lol. Don't know why they have to have two sections.
I have not had any problems with bleeding the calipers in different order with different methods (vacuum, pressure, or manual). Just be sure to keep the reservoir topped and you'll be fine. I have heard, if there air got suck into the ABS pump/actuator (it located in the brake compartment in the engine bay by the vacuum booster) because you let the fluid reservoir emptied out, you will have lots of headaches trying to get the air out of the ABS pump. If that the situation, only the dealer will have the proper tool, I believe its called the ABS actuator scanner tool? to simulates the ABS operation to force any air out of the ABS pump.

Can't emphasize enough to keep the brake fluid reservoir topped when bleeding the brake system. Just keep it topped you will be just fine which order, tool, or methods you decided use and follow.
 
Cool, thanks. Yeah I'm not sure about the ABS, but in one video the guy said you pressure the bleeder up to 15psi to open up the ABS valve (??) so maybe that is where the issue can arise. I am going to try to remember to always check the fluid level and pressure after each wheel is bled.
 
I use the motive power bleeder, but I've never used on the fx.
I pump it between 10 to 15 psi.

Probably the reason why they ask to disconnect the abs is for the valves to open?

@StuLax18 let me know how your bleeding went and which order you used

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
 
I'm still on the brake changing portion. Snapped my breaker bar so I couldn't get any of the other bolts loose. Off to Harbor Freight shortly. Gonna go with the furthest to closest on the order, and probably just leave everything connected.
 
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