Replacing brake fluid on a VAZ 2114 - which one to choose, when to change it

The brake system is one of the most important in a car, since the safety of everyone in the cabin depends on its flawless operation. Sooner or later, every car enthusiast is faced with the need to pay attention to the brakes, and this is where the question arises of how much brake fluid is needed to replace or top up.

When should you change your brake fluid?

Many drivers believe that the TJ is poured into the system for the entire service life of the car and does not require replacement. However, even high-quality fluids begin to lose their properties over time, which can lead to brake failure at an unexpected moment. The main reason for the loss of properties of TJ is the ingress of moisture into it. Water in the system carries the risk of freezing, which will cause pipe damage and brake failure.

Since the replacement procedure is simple, it is recommended to change the fluid every 30-35 thousand kilometers. Often during this period the liquid loses its properties. The high water content in the fluid means that in hot weather during prolonged braking there is a risk of the fuel fluid boiling. In general, replacing brake fluid on a VAZ 2114 with your own hands does not take much time, so you should not neglect this procedure.

Vehicle malfunctions leading to replacement of the vehicle with a VAZ 2114

The hydraulic brake system includes many different parts that allow you to operate the brakes using hydraulic fluid. It includes:

• a tank that is attached to the gas turbine engine and is intended for filling the fuel fluid;
• metal pipelines of both circuits;
• flexible brake hoses of front and rear wheels;
• GTZ installed in the engine compartment;
• working brake cylinders of front and rear wheels;
• dual-circuit pressure regulator;
• a sensor showing at what level the fuel fluid is located;
• a vacuum booster, the task of which is to create working fluid pressure in the pipelines of the circuits in order to ensure effective operation of the brake systems on the wheels during braking.

A car’s vehicle is one of the main systems that ensures the safety of the driver and passengers of the car, therefore regular preventive inspection of all elements of the vehicle is mandatory for the owner of the car.

The brake fluid on the VAZ 2114, according to the recommendations of technical specialists, is replaced every three years or no more than after 45 thousand kilometers of the vehicle.

At the same time, during the operation of a vehicle, malfunctions periodically occur in its braking system and especially in the hydraulic drive, leading to the need to replace the brake fluid. Knowledge of these malfunctions and the reasons leading to them can help the driver avoid serious troubles on the road, since in this case he can promptly identify the failure and take measures to eliminate it.

Malfunctions in the vehicle resulting in the need to replace the vehicle:

1. Leaks from the working brake cylinders leading to significant loss of fuel fluid.
2. The formation of air pockets in main pipelines and flexible hoses, which are formed as a result of leaks in vehicle units.
3. Rupture or fraying in the flexible hoses on the wheels, in this case the brake hoses on the VAZ 2114 need to be replaced. Damage to metal pipelines is also possible; as a rule, a leak forms due to “chasing”. In both cases, the liquid quickly flows out of the vehicle, so at the slightest sign of disorder in the vehicle, these parts should be checked first.
4. Damage or swelling of the sealing rings in the GTZ or wheel cylinders. This also leads to leaks.
5. Leakage of fuel fluid through the sealing rings of the rear wheel RD pusher.
6. There may be a leak in one of the brake circuits. In this case, partial failure of the brake pedal occurs.
7. Quite rarely, but metal pipelines become clogged.
8. As a result of mechanical damage, failures of the GTZ, RTC, vacuum unit and other vehicle elements are possible. To eliminate these damages on the VAZ 2114, replacing the brake fluid is a prerequisite.

Which brake fluid should I choose?

The abundance of technical fluids for a car makes the procedure for choosing a technical fluid quite complicated. Marketing gimmicks and an excessive amount of information on a bottle of “braking fluid” should not be the only reason to buy. You should choose a TJ based on the following characteristics:

• The viscosity of the liquid must remain the same at any temperature;
• The presence of boric acid in the composition, which neutralizes moisture;
• Ability to maintain effectiveness at high temperatures.

Several types of fuel fluid are classified, but most often drivers use DOT 4 class fluid. The basis of liquid from this class is compounds of esters with boric acid. This composition helps to preserve properties at any time of the year.

We recommend considering the following TJ options for purchase:

1. "Dzerzhinsk brake fluid". Designed for use in hydraulic drives of brake systems and clutches of domestic and imported cars. Compatible with all domestic and imported glycol-based fluids. It has a boiling point of more than 2300C. The price of a 900 gram bottle is 160 rubles.
2. TJ from . The modified composition of the Bosch version is sold at a price of 400 rubles per liter. Endowed with improved characteristics against the formation of steam bubbles at high temperatures and increased intervals between replacements (up to 2-3 years).

As you can see, the price for this technical fluid is acceptable, so you should not save and look for the cheapest option. A low-quality vehicle can fail at the wrong moment. Also, when purchasing, check the product for counterfeit. It is recommended to purchase “brake guards” at trusted points of sale.

Adding fluid or replacing it completely

If the car has covered 50-60 thousand kilometers or has been in use for 2-3 years, experts recommend completely updating the brake fluid, since the old one has already absorbed a lot of water and has partially lost its properties. Topping up the fluid may be necessary if the car has been idle for a long time or, conversely, is used too intensively and travels, for example, 80-100 thousand kilometers per year.

Much depends on the type of fluid, as well as driving style. Thus, an aggressive, sporty style may require more frequent brake replacement. As for its specifications, everything depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Thus, one of the most popular brands of Dot 4 is advised to be updated every 50-60 thousand mileage or after repair of the braking system.

What is needed for replacement?

Before starting replacement work, you should stock up on a set of tools, rags and a new brake guard. It should be understood that it contains active chemical elements that can cause burns if they come into contact with the skin. Having clean water on hand is also a good idea. Replacement Tool Set:

• Keys for "8" and "10";
• Containers for collecting waste “slurry”;
• The hose is 15-20 centimeters long.

Gloves should be used during operation. You will also need a partner to pump the system. Carrying out this procedure without an assistant is possible, but requires special equipment.

Volume of fluid in the brake system

Basically, the brake system holds from 0.55 to 1.0 liters of fluid, this depends both on whether the car has an ABS system and on the size of the car. The period for replacing brake fluid in most cars is 2-3 years of use, or 40-60 thousand mileage . To determine a more specific interval, you need to look at a specific fluid standard and driving characteristics. For example, in sports cars the TZ is changed every 5-10 thousand.

But since the question of the required volume of brake fluid in the system and its standard is asked only by owners of ordinary cars, and not premium or business class ones, we will give specific examples for cars popular in the CIS countries.

What and how much brake fluid is in some cars

How much brake fluid is in the VAZ system

VAZ cars are filled with brake fluid of the DOT-4 , but its amount in the brake system can be from 550 ml in a classic (VAZ 2107) to 1.0 liters in more modern domestic cars, such as VAZ 2110 or Kalina . But if you replace the TJ with flushing, then you should take 1.5 liters, and since there is no such packaging, you will have to buy two liter bottles.

However, remember that when opened, the shelf life of brake fluid is limited to two years.

How often to change brake fluid

Useful recommendations on how often to change the brake fluid in a car. Regulations on the frequency of changing brake fluid. More details

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Brake fluid replacement process

If you decide to change the brake fluid on your VAZ 2114 yourself, you should prepare the necessary tools in advance and invite a friend. It is difficult to perform such a procedure alone, so to save time you should find an assistant.

The step-by-step process of replacing DOT 4 in the “four” looks like this:

1. Stop the car on an overpass or pit.
2. Remove the cap from the TJ tank and move to the rear right wheel.
3. Remove the cap from the bleeder fitting.

4. Take an empty container and fill it with some DOT 4.
5. Next, put the hose on the fitting and lower its second end to the bottom of the container with the “brake housing”.
6. Now you should press the brake pedal about 7-9 times. For this you will need an assistant.

7. Unscrew the fitting a few turns and, while pressing the pedal, drain the used DOT-4.
8. When there are a couple of centimeters of brake fluid left in the reservoir, screw the fitting back on and release the pedal.
9. Fill the tank to the maximum level and continue the procedure until pure DOT-4 comes out of the tube.
10. Carry out this procedure on the remaining wheels.

Important! When carrying out work, the following order should be observed: rear right wheel, front left, rear left and front right.

In order to prevent air from entering the system, do not allow the liquid level in the tank to drop to a minimum. Periodically check the brake fluid reservoir for leaks or damage. Damaged brake hoses that allow air into the system can also be a reason for changing the fluid. Despite the fact that the durability of hoses is high, there is always a risk of mechanical damage due to friction if installed incorrectly.

Keep in mind that the “four” system includes about 800 milliliters of DOT-4, so to carry out all pumping procedures you will need at least one liter of TJ. You should not mix different types of fuel fluid with each other. If the system previously used DOT-3, then the new class of “slurry” should be filled only after the old waste has been completely drained.

Types and properties of fuel fluid

Old and new brake fluid

Any brake fluid has 93-98% of the main composition and from 2 to 7% of additives, which, in fact, are the key component for imparting the declared characteristics.

In general, if you look at it this way, the properties of brake fluid depend on the combination of its components. Depending on the composition of the base, TJ is divided into 3 groups.

Types of brake fluids:

1. Mineral (mineral oil LHM) . They consist of alcohol and castor oil.
2. Glycolic . Developed on the basis of polyglycols and their esters.
3. Silicone . Manufactured on the basis of silicon-organic polymer products.

Regardless of the type and composition, all brake fluids are divided into two classifications.

Classification of TJ:

1. By viscosity.
2. By boiling point:

• for “dry” liquid (without water);
• “wet”, which contains 3.5% water.

If the boiling point exceeds the permissible norm, then there is a risk of a vapor lock forming in the system (as a result of moisture evaporation), which can lead to breakdown and failure of the brake pedal.

Causes of brake fluid leakage in VAZ 2114

You can understand that the amount of brake fluid is insufficient by looking into the reservoir. Also, sometimes, when approaching a car, you can see stains of leaked chemicals under it. And when driving, the system begins to work incorrectly: the brake pedal is felt, and the quality of braking deteriorates. In addition, an exclamation mark indicator may light up on the dashboard and will not go out when the car is released from the handbrake. All this often indicates a leak. Its main reasons may be:

1. Crack in the tank. This problem can be easily detected by looking under the hood. A cracked tank should be replaced immediately.
2. Hoses. When a leak appears, cracks and other defects, as well as traces of liquid, can be seen on them. To the touch, such hoses become inelastic and rigid. If such defects are detected, worn parts must be replaced.

3. Brake cylinders. Their malfunction is a little more difficult to detect than all other causes of leakage due to the “four” drum brakes. Therefore, to check the brake cylinders, you will have to remove the drums. If defects are detected, it is recommended to replace the cylinder assembly. This part for this car is inexpensive. Therefore, there is no point in disassembling it and replacing individual elements.
4. Master brake cylinder. Most often, its sealing cuffs wear out. It is not difficult to notice their wear upon inspection. In this case, the elements change. You can also see pockets of corrosion or mechanical damage on the cylinder. In this case, the entire part is replaced.

If a leak appears from the system, you cannot use the car until the problem is eliminated. It is very dangerous! You can identify and fix problems yourself. But, if self-diagnosis or repairs cause difficulties, you need to urgently contact a service station.

110–1

Are modern brake fluids interchangeable?

The liquid manufacturer usually indicates on the label what other liquids its product can be mixed with. But the trouble is that the consumer, as a rule, has no idea what is in his tank. No one has tested mixed liquids, so we cannot recommend such an operation. And you certainly shouldn’t add liquids with low boiling points to a modern car. In general, a complete fluid change is always preferable and safer.

SIGNS OF PROBLEM

When the fluids are partially used up, the brake system begins to work incorrectly. The pedal begins to sink or becomes soft. Braking occurs silently, and the braking trail gradually increases. The car may skid when the brakes are pressed.

Having discovered one of the signs, the first thing you should do is look into the brake fluid reservoir. A cloudy color and the presence of sediment are an alarming signal; it’s time to go shopping, because you urgently need to change the brake fluid on your VAZ 2114.

Change brake fluid immediately - if necessary

Vulnerabilities of the VAZ 2114

The most vulnerable points in the VAZ 2114 brake system include:

1. Master brake cylinder - most often, leakage occurs due to wear of the sealing collar, which is subjected to stress during operation. There are also cases of installation of initially poor-quality seals. Detecting this leak is the most problematic, since liquid can go into the vacuum booster. In this case, no leaks are formed. If there are leaks on the left CV joint and gearbox, the GTZ is leaking.
2. Brake cylinders of the rear wheels - in the VAZ 2114 their cuffs are susceptible to destruction, especially in frosty weather. A leak is determined by the presence of traces of leaking brake fluid on the calipers. If there is a strong leak, there may be marks under the wheels and on the road surface.
3. Brake hoses - they are also subject to mechanical damage. If the rubber is dry, cracks will form on it. You should also inspect for leaks.