Gravity brake fluid flush

[xsr]

Hi,
Planning to change my brake fluid on my 2016 Mazda 3 (~80K miles). I might just do gravity as it is much simpler.

Is there any benefit between the gravity method and 2 person or just time savings?

The process seems to be opening the bleeder screws and keeping the reservoir topped up?

 

[Nessism1]

With modern ABS systems, using something like a pressurized cap over the master reservoir works well. No need for two people. The tool pays for itself with the first usage. Highly recommended. I use Motive.

 

[Lubener]

I never had much luck or patience for gravity bleeding...I would replace the bleeder screws with speed bleeders. It has a one way check valve built in to prevent air from being sucked in when the pedal is released. A one man job.

 

[4wd]

I never had much luck or patience for gravity bleeding...I would replace the bleeder screws with speed bleeders. It has a one way check valve built in to prevent air from being sucked in when the pedal is released. A one man job.

Any idea why the OEM does not use them ? - not even that expensive

 

[Mechanician]

Any idea why the OEM does not use them ? - not even that expensive

In 2025 GM produced 6.18 million vehicles.
If they had used those, the engineer that cut them from production would have received an "atta-boy!"
Edit: Or "atta-girl!"

 

[4wd]

In 2025 GM produced 6.18 million vehicles.
If they had used those, the engineer that cut them from production would have received an "atta-boy!"

No revelation there …
They have that decision on hundreds and hundreds of parts …

 

[Mechanician]

No revelation there …
They have that decision on hundreds and hundreds of parts …

Yes the balancing act is weighted heavily toward "need to have", over "nice to have."
Unless the Marketing department can convince someone sales would improve.

 

[4wd]

Yes the balancing act is weighted heavily toward "need to have", over "nice to have."
Unless the Marketing department can convince someone sales would improve.

Probably take pressure from dealerships - like one day - after owning many - I crawled under my new Silverado to find the skid pan was no longer blocking the drain bolt and oil filter !
(Two oil changes for free era)

 

[skyactiv]

You can do it yourself, no need for a helper. I posted This Thread in 2016. Get a Orville Redenbocker 30 ounce bottle and a 1/4" I.D. hose. It works well.