hello friends,

i need to know quickly how much DOT 4 brake fluid i should have on hand for doing major work on the brake system on my '86 245. im putting on new hoses, new rotors, and new shoes and pads. so im going to need to bleed everything and i've never done that before (i've not had my 240 for very long yet). i feel a bit embarassed to even be asking such a basic question like this, but i want to make sure i don't have to go to the store in the middle of working on things. thanks so much!

-colbi

in Pittsbugh with an '86 245 with 275k

I recently replaced the rotors, pads, brake lines and rebuilt the calipers on my 91 240. I bled the s_ _ _ out of the brakes afterward with dot 4. Let me share a little secret. Before you start any work on the brakes, remove the cover to the master cylinder reservoir. Place a piece of saran wrap over it and screw the cover back on. If any fluid tries to drain out of the lines while you are doing the work, guess what. Physics takes over and prevents it. Why? Because if you have a good seal with the saran wrap, a vacuum is created in the reservoir as soon as the first few drops drip from the system...works for me..

and when i flushed it well, until it was clear, clear, clear, i used less than a quart.

good luck

What Pablos says. Better more than not enough.

I usually buy a gallon (you can catch them for $7) and then bleed the sh&t out of it.
--
Chris Herbst, near Chicago, IL. 93 940, 91 240, 90 240, 88 740, 87 240

The only dumb question is the one not asked. We all started with nothing but a willingness to try at one point.

At LEAST two quarts!! (no kidding) Don't be embarassed, I've run out mid bleed and it's pain the arse.

I mean you could use less, but you really want to flush it WELL! I usually buy two quarts and one pint of Castrol LMA Type 4.
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http://www.fidalgo.net/~brook4/oilslubesfilters.html