HELP!!! Best test for stuck caliper?

[we350z]

Im may just get the motive universal power bleeder since It seems easy and I can use it on my bmw and nissan. Also supports one man operation.

Is it OK to use this AP Racing Formula DOT 5.1 fluid? Says it mixes safely with DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1 fluids.

I think I want to upgrade to Motu RBF 600 Full Synthetic for my Z anyway.

DIY Says to USE ATE DOT 4 (OEM) fluid. It says 1L for full 4 caliper flush. So even if I end up having to replace a caliper after doing 1 flush I should have enough.

[we350z]

I checked the service records I had. 3 brake services in there for pads and rotors front and rear with sensors. NO mention of changing the brake fluid anywhere.

I don't think I have the service records during the warranty period when the car was taken to the BMW dealership. Perhaps they did a brake bleed but that means 2003-2004 may have been the last time it was done - IF EVER.

I shook the front wheels at 3 and 9 o'clock to test for play in the suspension as prescribed in my original thread. Everything seem fine, thought the pass side wheel seemed to have a tiny bit more play. I do notice some squeaking sounds when drive the passenger side over speed bumps. I don' think the driver side is doing this.

Also checked fluid level in reservoir is good. Looks like a sensor should come on anyway if it were low since there is some sort of wiring apparatus hooked up to the level mechanism.

I am going to do the drag test now and then try retracting the pads on each side with the c-clamp to see if they contract when I hit the pedal.

It's probably a good idea to do the brake bleed anyway. I think I will be ordering the Motive Power Bleeder on monday and doing a full flush using the AP Racing Forumla DOT 5.1 brake fluid I have laying around.

[we350z]

I'm really starting to think that a flush will indeed solve my problems. I randomly found this post on acuraworld by x5world's very own hayaku (who also wrote the brake flush DIY). It sounds almost exactly like the issue I am experiencing.

I am ordering the Motive Power Bleeder tomorrow. I just need to confirm with them that an extra adapter I am buying will fit my 300ZX.

[vinuneuro]

DOT 5 needs to be changed every year. Unless the X5 is going to get tracked, use DOT 3 and change it every two years.

[we350z]

No plans on tracking, and I guess it's really pointless to use this good of stuff for OEM brakes. What can I go get in a store locally that's good without breaking (haha) the bank?

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

DOT 5 needs to be changed every year. Unless the X5 is going to get tracked, use DOT 3 and change it every two years.

[we350z]

Is Dot 5 synthetic? Actually I heard someone saying it last longer than the DOT 3 stuf...

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

DOT 5 needs to be changed every year. Unless the X5 is going to get tracked, use DOT 3 and change it every two years.

[we350z]

Will I get better brake performance on the street with DOT 5.1? It doesn't sound like the AP Formula stuff is synthetic. I don't want to waste this stuff if I won't benefit from it.

So will any DOT3 fluid do? Does it have to be this ATE stuff? Isn't it all the same really?

What about this?

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

DOT 5 needs to be changed every year. Unless the X5 is going to get tracked, use DOT 3 and change it every two years.

[we350z]

talked to indy mechanic, he confirmed the next thing he would do is a brake bleed.

[we350z]

i did the caliper drag test by wedging a stick between the brake pedal and the seat then adjusting the seat forward. I tried applyinh various brake pressures and I didn't notice any difference when rotating either wheel. They both made scraping sounds on the rotors.

I dunno hopefully the bleeding does the trick.

[we350z]

Got a liter of the Valvoline Synthetic DOT 3/4 fluid, just need a turkey baster now and I am ready to flush