Jeep Liberty 2004 limited full dot fluid replacement

[Mr aircraft mechanic]

so I need help
I don't know how much dot fluid she takes she really needs it done like the fluid is black

 

[lfhoward]

Get two of those small brake fluid bottles, maybe three. Extract what you can from the master cylinder with a turkey baster. Then bleed the system until it is coming out clear at the calipers on all 4 wheels. If you have the time to wait, a gravity bleed should work fine. Keep the master cylinder topped off or air will be introduced and you’ll have to start bleeding the system over.

 

[Mr aircraft mechanic]

I know how to do a full blead, I just really needed to know how much to give her
thank you

 

[LibertyTC]

My KJ Uses regular DOT3 fluid, and no where do I see mention of the brake fluid spec at master cylinder.
Is that the case with the KK as well?

 

[Deb'nKJ]

Why would anyone buy less than a litre/quart?

Still bemused by all these refs. to DOT3, which I think might be available from a few classic car specialists here, but DOT 4's been the standard for at least 30 or 40, possibly even 50. years.

 

[LibertyTC]

Here is an interesting read:
https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/dot-3-vs-dot-4-brake-fluid

 

[Deb'nKJ]

Well I never knew that but, as I said DOT 3 was phased out here probably in the 60's (come to think of it) with the widespread adoption of disc brakes, so that sort of makes sense now.

As I recall, you had to use the fluid for your make of brakes, either Girling (which was amber) or Lockheed (red) but then came universal fluid, which was clear & branded by oil companies, which I suspect was the original DOT 4.

As for changing brake fluid, that, in my experience, is an American thing, not something I've ever done - or known anyone else do; in fact I was brought up to conserve the stuff - I suppose because fluid was so expensive.

 

[KJowner]

I've changed it on a few cars, it absorbs water and muck, it often comes out almost black. I used 2 Ltr to fully flush my KJ.

 

[Shankster]

Well I never knew that but, as I said DOT 3 was phased out here probably in the 60's (come to think of it) with the widespread adoption of disc brakes, so that sort of makes sense now.

As I recall, you had to use the fluid for your make of brakes, either Girling (which was amber) or Lockheed (red) but then came universal fluid, which was clear & branded by oil companies, which I suspect was the original DOT 4.

As for changing brake fluid, that, in my experience, is an American thing, not something I've ever done - or known anyone else do; in fact I was brought up to conserve the stuff - I suppose because fluid was so expensive.

Be aware that the "DOT" referenced here is US Department of Transportation. I believe it's used internationally but ISO (class 3, 4, 5, 5.1) is a different standard but is very similar and basically equivalent to DOT 3, 4, 5, 5.1. I haven't lived in the UK since 1986 so don't know what is on the shelves over there and which designation is used. I just mention this because it could explain the DOT 3 (or ISO 3??) availability in the UK.

 

[LibertyTC]

The KJ's arrived with DOT3.
This explains brake fluids best.
https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/dot-3-vs-dot-4-brake-fluid

 

[Deb'nKJ]

I've changed it on a few cars, it absorbs water and muck, it often comes out almost black. I used 2 Ltr to fully flush my KJ.

I know it's hygroscopic (although I'd been working on cars for a long time before I learned that) but as most years you'd probably have to do something that meant having to bleed the brakes, I suppose the problem never really arose (even being careful not to lose any more than was absolutely necessary)

 

[Deb'nKJ]

Be aware that the "DOT" referenced here is US Department of Transportation. I believe it's used internationally but ISO (class 3, 4, 5, 5.1) is a different standard but is very similar and basically equivalent to DOT 3, 4, 5, 5.1. I haven't lived in the UK since 1986 so don't know what is on the shelves over there and which designation is used. I just mention this because it could explain the DOT 3 (or ISO 3??) availability in the UK.

I'm familiar with the acronym, by which I've referred to brake fluid all my life (well, since my last couple of years at school) & I would've said DOT 3 disappeared long before '86.

Out of curiosity, just had a look at what was available & of the 1st 60 listed on eBay there were 2 lots of DOT 5, one DOT 5.1 & one DOT 3, curiously, I thought, synthetic - & 50% more expensive than same brand's DOT 4. ISO was never mentioned, nor did seem to appear on the labels on the containers.