A6 / S6 (C5 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the C5 Audi A6 and S6 produced from 1998-2004
Old Jul 25, 2016, 03:17 PM
How-Tos on this Topic
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:Browse all: Audi A6 (C5) Brake Guides
Print Wikipost

Procedure for replacing brake fluid?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 1, 2002 | 05:07 PM
  #1  
leonardl's Avatar
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Default Procedure for replacing brake fluid?

Can someone direct me to the procedure used to replace the brake fluid in our A6 2.7T cars. I am replacing the fluid with Motul 600.

Also, how much fluid will I need?

Thanks,
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2002 | 05:47 PM
  #2  
TraderAlex's Avatar
AudiWorld Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 0
Default Re: Procedure for replacing brake fluid?

remove plug, allow fluid to drain.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2002 | 05:58 PM
  #3  
Dan_L's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 0
Default someone has obviously never worked with brakes...

You were probably thinking of oil or making a joke (TraderAlex)

Leonard,
I don't know how much you will need, but if you are venturing into it, I'd imagine you know you need to actuate the ABS to get the old fluid pumped out of there to do it right. I don't know how but the mechanic I use (rarely go to a mechanic) has the tool to do it right. One thing I don't like to work on is the hydraulic lines, I'm paranoid that I'll get a bubble and end up needing my brakes and not have them. I don't ever crack the lines without my dad or my mechanic handy to verify that they are bled properly.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2002 | 06:26 PM
  #4  
2.7tDallas's Avatar
AudiWorld Expert
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 25,178
Likes: 0
Default

Might be better to go to a shop with a power bleeder
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2002 | 06:37 PM
  #5  
LMGotts's Avatar
AudiWorld Super User
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,817
Likes: 0
Default I used to work on my motorcycle...and from the experience wouldn't want (or recommend) to do the

car. Get a good shop to do it for you paying attention to Dan_L's note re: the anti-lock. Should be quick and inexpensive.

The bike was easy because the lines are so short (and my bike only had two of them going to the front), the car....needs special(er) equipment to bleed the lines.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2002 | 06:46 PM
  #6  
DLow's Avatar
AudiWorld Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
Default The procedure.....

It's easier with a power bleeder, but you can do it with just "pedal pumping"...

1. Start with the drivers side rear wheel. Jack up car, remove wheel.

2. Attach a drain hose to the bleeder nipple (no jokes, plz).

2a. If using power bleeder, add 1 qt (or so) of new fluid) to bleeder and pressurize to 20 psi. If not, skip the step.

3. Open bleeder using a flare nut wrench (don't recall exact size). Drain fluid into sealable container. (I use old plastic coke bottle).

3a. If using "pedal method", pump brakes until new fluid comes out of hose. (It's a 2 person job for this method). Keep brake fluid resevoir topped off...

4. Close bleeder.

5. Reattach wheel (torquing to spec). Lower car to ground....

6. Repeat for passenger front, passenger rear, and driver's front (in that order).

7. For 2001 and later models, you will need to run the ESP pump to get the last of the fluid out. Do this with the drivers front wheel, after you have bled it normally. You will need a VAG tool for this. If you don't have a VAG, I beleive you are hosed. If you do have a VAG, let me know and I'll dig up the coding (it's in the Bently Manual CD). I have a 2000, so I don't have to do this step...

8. Be sure the brake fluid level is within the acceptable marked range. You can bleed some out to lower the level if you need to...

That's "the basics". If you don't have the right tools, it can be a PITA. I learned how to do it so that if I boiled my brake fluid at the track, I had a way to get back out there...

YAMMV...

Dave

PS- If it's just routine maint, go to a shop that has a VAG, and let them do it...
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2002 | 07:39 PM
  #7  
Aldous's Avatar
AudiWorld Super User
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,722
Likes: 0
Default I really would let someone who's done it before, do it for you.

I paid an Audi tuner shop, to change my fluid to Motul 600, when I bought the car. When I set up the StopTechs I'm running now, with braided lines, I and a friend did the swap, but since we were still using the Motul 600, we didn't have to worry as much about the ESP/ABS, etc., ...but it was still a pain in the a**. Bleeding in this case, is far easier with all the wheels off; but it can be done one corner at a time, if you don't have a lift, or at least enough jack stands. Bleed, bleed, bleed, and bleed again, is all I can say. Have fun, and be safe.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2002 | 08:48 AM
  #8  
allroad'Ed now's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,167
Likes: 1
Default And try to find a different color fluid, like ATE Super Blue, so you know by color ....

when the old fluid is flushed out and fresh fluid is now in each caliper.

I buy the ATE Super Blue and Amber and alternate between each at every brake fluid change. On the race car, I flush after each track weekend so the different colors make it easier.
Reply
AudiWorld Stories

Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans

story-0

Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

9 Audi Designs That Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

2026 Audi Q5 Buyer's Guide (Every Model Explained)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Ranking Every Current Audi 'S' Model From Worst to First!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 2, 2002 | 08:52 AM
  #9  
2.7tDallas's Avatar
AudiWorld Expert
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 25,178
Likes: 0
Default

Excellent idea!
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2002 | 02:31 AM
  #10  
DLow's Avatar
AudiWorld Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
Default Careful with the ATE Super Blue

It has caused the clutch cylinder to "squeak", and sometimes fail on 6 speed cars (mine included). I haven't heard anyone explain why this is, but it has happened to a number of folks... FYI.

I use the Valvoline Synthetic - good boiling point and not too expensive...
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:42 AM.

story-0
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!

Slideshow: Limited to just 499 units, the 987-horsepower halo car signals a new chapter for Audi performance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-04 17:37:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation

Slideshow: The highs and lows of every Audi C-Class generation.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:05:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer

People were more than happy to shell out big bucks for these cars.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 15:32:23


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: 10 Audi features and options we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 19:33:47


VIEW MORE
story-4
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935

Slideshow: Audi has recreated one of the wildest machines of the pre-war speed-record era, reviving a streamlined V16 racer that originally exceeded 200 mph in 1935.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:49:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept

Slideshow: A Dutch coachbuilder has reimagined the original Audi TT by finishing what the 1995 concept only hinted at.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-05 15:17:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!

Slideshow: Ranking every Audi V10 road car

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:11:56


VIEW MORE
story-7
9 Audi Designs That Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: A look back at the Audis that didn't just survive changing tastes, they quietly outgrew them.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-28 19:38:27


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Audi Q5 Buyer's Guide (Every Model Explained)

One year off a full redesign, the best-selling Q5 is getting a few more updates.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-17 09:56:19


VIEW MORE
story-9
Ranking Every Current Audi 'S' Model From Worst to First!

Slideshow: Ranking every current Audi 'S' model on sale today from worst to best.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-16 10:28:28


VIEW MORE