Hey all! It's been a little while, but I have a question...

Getting ready to change brake fluid. Not going to debate whether it should/should not be done. Just know that I'm going to do it. Just put new pads and rotors on and I figured what the hell.

On some vehicles, this must be done in a certain order. Ex - Driver Front, Passenger Rear, Passenger front, Driver rear. Looking in the service manual, it doesn't mention anything about it. Did I miss something in there, or does it even matter on a 2001 1500 4X4? Thanks!

 

Well it does matter.

Some vehicles are diagonally split, and the rest are front/back split.

Our trucks are front back split, so you will want to start on the back wheels, and then do the front. Doesnt actually matter that much, just make sure you do it axle by axle. Its easier to focus on one line system at a time.

 

you normally start with the wheel fartherest from the MC. so do RR, LR, RF, LF
don't let MC run out, or you have to start over.
a piece of hose or tubing over the bleeder and into a can will eliminate the mess.
its a good idea to flush/replace all the fluid. no need to debate.
good luck

 

Thanks guys. That's all I needed.

 

Moze,

like DH said, DO NOT LET THE Master cylinder. It is time consuming alone. You will need to bleed (about 4 presses of the pedal) then refill the cylinder with a few ounces...then repeat.

I did it like this:

1. Start on Right Rear, bleed until the liquid comes out somewhat clear (it will never get completely clear like the color of new fluid).
2. THEN move to the other brakes.

If you do that, all the bleeding will be A LOT shorter with the other brakes.

--dan

 

Oh, if you have another person that can mash the brake pedal. Then you can sit there and refill.

I did it alone. So it was 3 mins on my back, then pump 4 times, then another 3 mins on my back. for about an hour.

 

Thanks for the additional info. I'm familiar with brake bleeding, so I know not to let the reservoir drain completely. If I'm not mistaken, I'll also have to turn the truck on for the front at least, to get the fluid to pump through the ABS module. Right?

 

i thought you could bleed it with truck on or off.
i thought abs kicked in under power to release the lockup, and that it did not interfere with braking. otherwise, if your engine or ignition died, you might not have brakes.

 

Do u need to bleed brakes after changing them on a 2001 dodge ram 1500 extended cab but not a 4x4 it's regular.

 

I've always bled my brakes with the truck off. I also tend to use DOT4 brake fluid when replacing the fluid, as it has a higher boiling point than DOT3 fluid.