Hello, folks -

I'm going to bleed my brakes this weekend. I've reviewed the shop manual and it says to bleed the Master Cylinder first, then the wheels farthest from the MC. My question is: Where is the MC bleeder valve? And, is the bleeding process similar on the MC bleeder valve as how you do it on the calipers (ie, pump, hold, open valve, close valve)? I tried searching this forum, but no specific details on the MC bleeding.

Any info will be helpful. Thanks very much.

Why are you wanting to remove all of the fluid from your brake system? Changing the fluid with a different type?

My question is: Where is the MC bleeder valve? And, is the bleeding process similar on the MC bleeder valve as how you do it on the calipers (ie, pump, hold, open valve, close valve)? I tried searching this forum, but no specific details on the MC bleeding.

Any info will be helpful. Thanks very much.
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=45198

Why are you wanting to remove all of the fluid from your brake system? Changing the fluid with a different type?

I just need to bleed my brakes since it feels a bit spongy. I replaced my pads this weekend and didn't bleed since I figured I didn't touch the brakes lines, so no air in the system. Anyway, my assumptions were wrong, and I should've bled immediately after pad replacement.

Thanks, for the picture, that's definitely helpful.

Is the bleeding process the same with the MC? Pump brakes, hold, open valve, watch for bubbles, close valve?

I just need to bleed my brakes since it feels a bit spongy. I replaced my pads this weekend and didn't bleed since I figured I didn't touch the brakes lines, so no air in the system. Anyway, my assumptions were wrong, and I should've bled immediately after pad replacement.

Thanks, for the picture, that's definitely helpful.

Is the bleeding process the same with the MC? Pump brakes, hold, open valve, watch for bubbles, close valve?

Yes. Same process. Don't forget to bleed the MC again after doing all the wheels. Also, keep the fluid level nice and full during the process to insure no bubbles get in. -- I learned this the hard way -- even topping off while bleeding, my level in the MC go low enough to allow bubbles in. Then had to REALLY bleed the system which took twice as long.

While you are doing this consider putting in a DOT 4 fluid. That way, if and when you get the bug to take it on the track you will be ready... :ylsuper:

After helping a friend replace the brakes and flush the brake fluid on his car a few weeks ago I thought I'd get more familiar with the brake system on my RX-8. I've found several posts here about the order to bleed everything (starting and ending with the MC) and that's where I have my question...

I kinda feel like an idiot for asking this, but has there been a design change with the master cylinder?? I have a 2005 6MT and my MC doesn't have a bleeder screw as shown in the image here... http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=45198

This is a picture of the master cylinder on my car... http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85920

Does anyone else have that kind of MC or know why mine would be different??
Thanks,

Mike :dunce:

You really don't need to bleed the MC unless you get air in there.

It's good to change the fluid once a year.

Moisture gets in the system and breaks down the boilg point.

It good to change it often.

Brakes will always feel new and be top knotch.

Find a friend to help you.

Ask around. All cars are they same, there must be a friend of a friend that can help you.

I'm wondering about the 05 master cylinder as well. I also don't have the bleeder valve as pictured in the first attachment. I'm thinking about replacing my fluid to DOT4 soon.

When doing a full fluid switch should you suck out all the fluid in the reservoir and then fill with fresh fluid until you see a change in color?

I've not looked at the MC on my '06 yet, but I've never owned a car (A couple BMW's, Hondas, Fords, and Chevys) or motorcycle that had a bleeder valve on the MC. You usually bench-bleed an MC to get the air out of the piston chamber and then just use the wheel bleeders. If you really have to do it on the car you can just crack open one of the lines at the master cylinder and bleed it like you would with a bleeder.

I would just bleed it at the calipers and it will probably be fine.

Cosmos, I'm guessing we'll have to bleed/flush the rest of the system same as anyone else, just being careful not to let the reseviour get so low air is sucked into the system. At least now I know I'm not the only one out there with a different type of MC. I'm still curious why mazda changed it, though.

I'll probably do a flush in a couple of months since the fluid is getting a reddish tint - pretty sure DOT3 was supposed to be a golden color. Still doing research on which one to get (ATE Super Blue?)...

Thanks for the help, Razz1.


I'm wondering about the 05 master cylinder as well. I also don't have the bleeder valve as pictured in the first attachment. I'm thinking about replacing my fluid to DOT4 soon.

When doing a full fluid switch should you suck out all the fluid in the reservoir and then fill with fresh fluid until you see a change in color?

Dot3 is transparent when it comes new in the bottle. Any color at all means it has picked up contaminates.

so, back to the FLUID SWAP question cosmos brought up... i have speed bleeders & a jug of ATE Super Blue sitting at home. i know how to bleed the breaks... no questions there. but, how would i flush the system completely in order to swap in the ATE? would it be the same process of bleeding out the exsiting fluid til there was nothing but blue bleeding into the bag?
thanks

so, back to the FLUID SWAP question cosmos brought up... i have speed bleeders & a jug of ATE Super Blue sitting at home. i know how to bleed the breaks... no questions there. but, how would i flush the system completely in order to swap in the ATE? would it be the same process of bleeding out the exsiting fluid til there was nothing but blue bleeding into the bag?
thanks
YES

Thanks

I've not looked at the MC on my '06 yet, but I've never owned a car (A couple BMW's, Hondas, Fords, and Chevys) or motorcycle that had a bleeder valve on the MC. You usually bench-bleed an MC to get the air out of the piston chamber and then just use the wheel bleeders. If you really have to do it on the car you can just crack open one of the lines at the master cylinder and bleed it like you would with a bleeder.

I would just bleed it at the calipers and it will probably be fine.

Same here . . . on my STi, I would just bleed through the first caliper until the reservoir was almost empty, then start topping off the reservoir and keep bleeding the first caliper until the new fluid arrived. Then move on to other calipers.