How much brake fluid?

[kevvie]

Hi all,

Getting my 2 year service this Friday, thought I'd get the Martini Brake Fluid and supply it to the dealer....but can't find anywhere in the manual that lists quantities required.

Am I silly to assume that since they come in 500ml containers that will be enough?

[h100vw]

I reckon you'll need at least 2 x 500ml, maybe 3 to be safe.

Gavin

[Gti Dave]

Hi all,

Getting my 2 year service this Friday, thought I'd get the Martini Brake Fluid and supply it to the dealer....but can't find anywhere in the manual that lists quantities required.

Am I silly to assume that since they come in 500ml containers that will be enough?

Its hard to say how much is needed/quantity as every car is different cause when they change your brake fluid, they generally need to completely flush out the old and replace it with new and will repeat it at each wheel until all the old stuff is gone and to ensure no air is in the line. So it can vary with technician and technique. Hopefully 500ml is enough as the polo is a fairly short car (hence brake lines may be shorter hence less fluid needed compared to say a larde family sedan or 4wd). When I changed my honda jazz and toyota rav4's brake fluid, it took a slight bit less than a bottle of brake fluid so couldn't imagine the polo would take more than that. Could be wrong though cause haven't touched the polo yet.

[Blitzen]

I'd go with what Gavin has said.

[shaneth]

yep im pretty sure its 2 bottles but if you can get three just in case. JMAC will know he did mine.

[NickZ]

VW charged me for 1lt of brake fluid when they did my 30000km service.

Silly me should have upgraded to the martini

[Umai Naa!!]

1L is the standard bottle size for VW brake fluid.

When a dealer does it, it's actually pumped into the system, pushing out any air. I'd be very surprised if they agree to put the non-Genuine brake fluid in, if the car is still under warranty.

[NickZ]

If it meets VW standards (if any), then they shouldn't have a problem. I put my own engine oil in the vehicle and they accept it as it complies with VW requirements.

[Blitzen]

1L is the standard bottle size for VW brake fluid.

When a dealer does it, it's actually pumped into the system, pushing out any air. I'd be very surprised if they agree to put the non-Genuine brake fluid in, if the car is still under warranty.

There are a number of ways to bleed brakes...pressure bleeding with compressed air is just one...I prefer the good ol' Manual foot bleed method...
Vw are going to have a hard time testing the fluid to see if its non genuine, and I doubt they would even care, so long as it dose the job to their specs, and if you use better fluid(Martini, Motul...etc), it will be doing a better job.

[Gti Dave]

I generally use the compressor suction method as its easy and I can change the fluid rather quickly myself.
I guess I'll have to get 2 bottles then ey if I I'm gonna be doing it myself at some point in time.
Is there any recommendations/preferences by anyone for use of any particular brands? I've never looked into brake fluid in any detail in the past but may start thinking about it now.