Alfa Pages

[jmmoss]

Hi there,

Just getting ready for a big trip in the 33 (3000km across Australia!) and need to get it up to a good standard. I want to change the brake/clutch fluid as it may have been years since this was last done (only just bought the car). Is there a bleed valve you can access from the engine bay to do this? Or can I just use a syphon pump to remove the old brake fluid in the bottle and fill it will new brake fluid? Also can you mix Sythetic fluid with mineral fluid?
Thanks!

[gritsop]

Hi,

Changing the brake fluid can be done as follows: You need to have a container with a hose in order to fit it in the bleeder so that old fluid does not spill here and there; then pour the new fluid in the container and have someone press for you the brake pedal enough times till the pedal feel comes hard again and clear brake fluid comes out of the bleeder (the old fluid will come out in dark color). Repeat this job for all around and for the slave clutch cylinder and you are OK.

The car uses the DOT4 fluid category; I have been using ATE fluid , pads, discs for some years now and I have been very satisfied with them.

Hope this helped,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

[Matt Stolton]

Never mix old and new fluids, and never use different types at the same time!!!

The easiest thing to do is to get hold of a one man brake bleeding kit. It has a container into which you pour fresh fluid, which is presurised from your tyre (using the spare tyre is good). This attaches to the brake fluid resorvoir, and guarantees the resorvoir won't run out of fluid, and pressurises the entire system.

Starting from the wheel furthest from the resorvoir, attach a small clear pipe to the bleed screw (to sizes come with my kit), open the bleed screw, and watch the fluid pour into a container, making sure there are no bubbles present. Close bleed screw, and move to next wheel.

I like to use the bottle empty first, to completely flush out the old fluid, and then do a complete flush with a new lot of fluid. I then empty that out, and do a final fill with some more fresh fluid. This 'washes' out the old 'moist' fluid, and any crud in the brake lines, and completely gets new fluid in. It is worth the extra £5 for a second bottle of fluid to do it properly. It is being over the top, but it doesn't take long, and it is easy. Also by going around the car in this way twice, you will be guaranteed to spot any dodgy lines or leaks in calipers etc.

Re. the correct fluid, stick to DOT4 (Or 4.1). Higher than DOT4.1 is a different type of fluid (5.0, 5.1 is Synthetic rather than mineral), which will not make the seals swell properly, and will lead to leaks. Similarly Race fluid is synthetic, not mineral, and will again lead to the lack of swell of the seals.

Don't forget to bleed the rear brake bias adjuster, and the clutch slave cylinder.
_________________
Regards

Matt

Ex Alfa 33 'GTA' (P4 with Knobs On)
Now cruising in a 166 3.2 Ti!!