Getting the brake reservoir screen out
 

How the heck do I get it out without damaging it? I want to suck out as much brake fluid from the reservoir as I can before doing the flush...

I don't think you can remove it without damage...
I've replace my fluid every year for the last 5 years of ownership, and every year I try to remove the screen without success. So this year I got a wide blade screwdriver & thin nose pliers, gave it a good yank and strong leverage from the sidewall - it came out with a pop but the plastic ears are slightly gnarled now.
Damn thing....

I got mine out without damage, but you have to be brave.

JFP is about to jump in here and ask "Why the heck are you guys taking that out in the first place?", which is actually a pretty valid question as there really is no need to remove it or remove fluid from the reservoir prior to doing a flush. I know this now, but at the time wasn't going with the best advice and thought I had to take it out.

Clickman, I almost ruined my resoivor attempting to remove that screen. Just buy a Motive PowerBleeder, fill it with new fluid, and push out all the old through the furthest most brake caliper bleed nipple.

It's easier and far faster that attempting to suck out the old stuff with a turkey baster or whatever method you're planning to use.

I'll admit it: I ruined mine trying to take it out. Spent $300 to replace. Another le$$on learned. :)

I use a pair of surgical type locking forceps (a great tool to have on many occasions) to grab the plastic cup part on two opposite sides, and pull hard while twisting a bit.

I always suck out my old fluid first. Otherwise you are just diluting the new fluid into the old fluid when you bleed. A Power Bleeder is great, and I use that too, but only after filling the reservoir with new fluid.

Dont try to suck the old fluid out of the reservoir.. Just use the power bleeder and pump the old fluid out of the reservoir. watch the resrvoir until its almost empty, then add brake fluid and bleed.

I saw the thread where JFP said not to take it out, so I tried that. I had only one litre of gold fluid to go into the Motive bleeder, and when it was nearing empty the reservoir still looked thoroughly blue and the fluid coming out of the right rear bleeder was still mostly blue. So I don't know how much fluid you really need to do it that way, but clearly I didn't have enough.

It's been a couple years since I did it last, and, since I can barely remember last week, I've forgotten how I did it, but I do remember that I only needed one litre of fluid that time.

Just saw your reply, san. Makes great sense and I think I'll try that.

Agreed. Excellent suggestion. I'll just add that if you don't plan on bleeding the clutch, be careful how low you let the master cylinder go. The outlet for the clutch is on the side, not the bottom like the brake line.

I don't honestly see the point in doing the brake lines and not the clutch, as they're in a common system. All part of the job, to me. :cheers:

personally I don't like running the crap in the reservoir thru the master esp if the fluid is dark or worst has changed colors due to the fluid absorbing too much water