Frequently Asked Questions
Question
C6 Brake Fluid Change
Answer
A few Tips.
Following the Download instructions - Click Here -, the first task is to empty the reservoir. I used a clean disposable Baxa syringe (60p each from Ebay, see photo). The elastomer seems not to swell with the brake fluid.
So removed 5 x 60ml of old brake fluid - this was very dark at only 18months old so obviously 2 year service interval change is pushing it. This is probably down to the design of the reservoir which has no diaphragm to prevent air/moisture entering the brake fluid. This is a big heavy car so brakes need to be up for it and the fluid is the critical element in this.
Next step is to remove the reservoir itself, presumably so that old sediment can be rinsed out. So first lower front windows a tad, then disconnect battery terminal. Access to the grip washer on the plastic pin/clip that attached the reservoir to the master cylinder is very difficult. Plus removing the clip will probably break the pin/clip.
So decide at this stage whether the reservoir is clean enough not to need removing, or purchase before hand a new pin/clip and simply break the old one to remove. Be warned that any brake fluid residue in the reservoir will drip out over the gearbox etc (hence need to remove as much as possible with the syringe).
Connect pressure bleeding kit with suggested maximum pressure of 1.5 bar not 2 bar as in the instructions (some white stress marks showed in reservoir plastic so didn't want to push it the official Citroen pressure). Bleed calipers in correct order (FL >> FR >> RL >> RR).
The front calipers have two "pots" and the lower is so far from the bleed port, that any stale fluid will not be removed just by flushing through to bleed nipple. So remove brake pads and push pistons fully home with the bleed nipple open. Then reassemble calipers with 20mm wood spacers in place of the brake pads.
Complete flushing, then reassemble with pads and perform final bleed at each wheel using assistant and brake pedal.
Road test, allowing pads to adjust to disks, cooling between each application. Check emergency brake assist (hazards will flash) and ABS functions.
Notes, LEXIA NOT required for this maintenance operation, as performed above.
Bleed nipples are M7 x 1.0mm pitch and about 13mm long tip to underside of spanner hex.
At least 1.5 litres of new brake fluid will be required (only use from sealed container).
Details
Info 20 June 2010 by gmerry
C6owners
Question
C6 Brake Fluid Change
Answer
A few Tips.
Following the Download instructions - Click Here -, the first task is to empty the reservoir. I used a clean disposable Baxa syringe (60p each from Ebay, see photo). The elastomer seems not to swell with the brake fluid.
So removed 5 x 60ml of old brake fluid - this was very dark at only 18months old so obviously 2 year service interval change is pushing it. This is probably down to the design of the reservoir which has no diaphragm to prevent air/moisture entering the brake fluid. This is a big heavy car so brakes need to be up for it and the fluid is the critical element in this.
Next step is to remove the reservoir itself, presumably so that old sediment can be rinsed out. So first lower front windows a tad, then disconnect battery terminal. Access to the grip washer on the plastic pin/clip that attached the reservoir to the master cylinder is very difficult. Plus removing the clip will probably break the pin/clip.
So decide at this stage whether the reservoir is clean enough not to need removing, or purchase before hand a new pin/clip and simply break the old one to remove. Be warned that any brake fluid residue in the reservoir will drip out over the gearbox etc (hence need to remove as much as possible with the syringe).
Connect pressure bleeding kit with suggested maximum pressure of 1.5 bar not 2 bar as in the instructions (some white stress marks showed in reservoir plastic so didn't want to push it the official Citroen pressure). Bleed calipers in correct order (FL >> FR >> RL >> RR).
The front calipers have two "pots" and the lower is so far from the bleed port, that any stale fluid will not be removed just by flushing through to bleed nipple. So remove brake pads and push pistons fully home with the bleed nipple open. Then reassemble calipers with 20mm wood spacers in place of the brake pads.
Complete flushing, then reassemble with pads and perform final bleed at each wheel using assistant and brake pedal.
Road test, allowing pads to adjust to disks, cooling between each application. Check emergency brake assist (hazards will flash) and ABS functions.
Notes, LEXIA NOT required for this maintenance operation, as performed above.
Bleed nipples are M7 x 1.0mm pitch and about 13mm long tip to underside of spanner hex.
At least 1.5 litres of new brake fluid will be required (only use from sealed container).
Details
Info 20 June 2010 by gmerry
C6owners