[aragno]

I tried to search to little avail.
I want to drain the brake system as I suspect it has been filled with DOT 3 vs DOT 4.

What tools will I need to make this a successful job? I have the DOT 4 fluid but unsure of any special tools, or other things to replace while the system is drained.

thanks for sharing your input, experience, etc.

I hope to be a contributor as I learn more about the vehicle.

I have a 1995 110 ROW

 

[aragno]

You don’t need to change it. DOT 3 is fine.

If you do want to flush it a Motive pressure bleeder is the nicest way.

any idea which specific one here? There are about 37 options…

Brake Bleeder Kits

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[aragno]

I will be working solo so tricks and tools are great for me to ponder.

If you don't have a friend to push the pedal, use a length of wood maybe a 2x2 or the like. You have to get the length based on how far from the pedal to the seat base where you're gonna jam the end. So, you push the pedal until it won't go any more, jam your wooden helper between the pedal and the seat, then go open and close the brake nipple. Repeat until done or you're out of breath whichever comes first.

I have the easy bleed kit which I have never used, it's too fussy.

Using the 2x4 helper I can leave the brake depressed and move from corner to corner without touching the “helper” again, correct?

Simply top off the reservoir as I flush, correct?

 

[aragno]

Dot 4 is compatible with Dot 3. Dot 4 is made for an ABS system. You don't need to change anything. If you feel the need. As Bill mentioned, suck out the reservoir with a syringe or turkey baster for that matter of the offending Dot 3. Then just add Dot 4 and bleed the calipers. Don't overthink it.

i did some additional reading and now concerned my brake fluid selection is not good. I selected a synthetic brake fluid but now I read that isn’t ideal. I have synthetic DOT 4 on hand but now rethinking I should be using a mineral oil to avoid damaging seals, etc.

What’s the word on the correct brake fluid to be used? What is highly recommended?

 

[aragno]

You have to reset the 2x4 every time you crack open and close the bleeder. So if I understand the question the answer is no. You in fact have to reset the helper about 30 or 40 times. You pump the pedal until you get pressure, jam the helper in there and go crack the bleeder ONCE, then close it. This will depressurized the line so you have to go pump it up again. Repeat as necessary so that only clear fluid no bubbles are coming thru the clear plastic hose. It sounds tedious and it is indeed but it doesn't take that long to do a corner. Maybe 5 minutes. By the time you get to the last corner you will find that there is significant resistance on the pedal and you may need to move the seat back to allow you to get the helper in there at all. Yeh if I didn't mention this, start with the seat moved all the way forward. You may need to adjust this according to your truck. On mine, if I use just the seat cushion, the pedal will push the cushion right off the base. I use the slider release bar and that can be an issue as it tends to lift.

I get you now. that makes sense. thanks for the detailed walkthrough.

Any idea how much brake fluid I should have on hand in order to flush the entire system out?

Any clue which sequence I should work through? Does it matter if my vehicle is RHD?

 

[aragno]

You start with the wheel furthest away from the master cylinder (measured by length of brake tubing) and work toward the closest. The side you steer from isn't critical.
I'll take a guess that it's going to be the left rear that you start with, then right rear, left front, then finish with right front.
I would say you need one big bottle of brake fluid, or two small.
Depending on the age of the braking system, you may want to have a few extra bleed screws on hand.

do you have any idea which size bleed screws are on these things?

Autozone had a few different sizes:

M7-1.0
M8-1.25
M10-1.5
3/8”-24