Polo 6R - Flushing the brake and clutch fluid (brake bleeding)

In this detailed video, I explain the step-by-step procedure on how to flush the brake and clutch fluid from the VW Polo using the 2-man method. It is very important to change the brake fluid as per the manufacturer’s recommended intervals to ensure that the braking system is in good shape.
This procedure also applies to the other VW and Skoda cars as the hydraulic braking schematic is the same save for disc brakes at the rear wheels for some of the variants. VW and Skoda cars share the same fluid for the clutch as well so it is important to flush the fluid from the clutch line as well if you intend to do a complete flush of the fluid from the system.
The hardest part in this entire procedure would be to remove the air filter assembly, inlet air hose to the filter, battery and battery tray to access the bleeder screw for the clutch.
Check out the clip and let me know if you have any doubts. Would appreciate any feedback as well. Thanks for watching! :)

[@pulsarfreak]

Awesome video ! For other subscribers, this champ designs and builds marine engineering systems professionally. He is a huge store of engineering knowledge !

[@srinivaskumarreddy120]

Best knowledgeable person in INDIA.🙏.

[@GaneshBalan]

Thank you Mr Srinivas, I’m humbled. 😊

[@worthybeing]

Awesome work Ganesh. Was looking for the clutch bleeder for my rapid. Though it is still 2 years old i would do this myself. I don't think Skoda Asc would be doing this 😂 Also I am planning to service my Swift ddis myself and planned to do the clutch and brake bleeding myself. The order of brake bleeding will help. Thanks and keep uploading.

[@vaibhavchauhan8945]

I appreciate your work 🎉

[@GaneshBalan]

Thank you. Appreciate the feedback. 👍🏻

[@tusharkukadia6811]

I own vw vento 1.6 tdi, recently there was an abs warning light on dashboard, hence mechanic has scanned the system, but due to unsupportive OBD scanner, he couldn’t find the issue and he opened the abs module and reinstalled it. But after that i felt the break is spongy and break padel is going down, please suggest (abs issue is resolved as rear left sensor was failed)

[@thomast4479]

Good one. Thank you :) I am going to try this soon using a DIY pressure bleeder that I am making from garden sprayer. How is the Bosch fluid holding up? From what I have read, VW recommends only DOT 4 LV Class 6 fluids (VW 501 14) for its ABS systems. VW repair manual also says to start from front left > front right > rear left > rear right which is unusual! But mine is not a Polo

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Thomas, the brake fluid held up quite well. But I’ve sold the Polo last year during October and have switched to a Honda Jazz CVT. I went by the first principles instead of referring to the repair manual which is to drain the wheel farthest from the master cylinder/reservoir. What car do you have? Where are you located? 🙂

[@thomast4479]

@@GaneshBalan Thanks Gannu. I am from Kerala, but staying in Bangalore. I have a Jetta 2.0 TDI 😊

[@GaneshBalan]

Oh nice. Enjoy the Jetta bro. They don’t make cars like these anymore. ☹️

[@elhanshaji8475]

Awesome stuff! Can we expect a video on cleaning MAF?

[@GaneshBalan]

Yep. Will do that. Give me some time. Need to order the MAF sensor cleaner spray. Works better than the usual isopropyl alcohol.

[@vaibhavchauhan8945]

Hey can you tell When we are draining the brake fluid how we identity thats the new fluid is coming out now like in the video the fluid color was same as when draining started i mean how to know when to stop the draining and tightened the valve 😅 0:01

[@GaneshBalan]

There would be a change in the color of the fluid. The old one would be brown whereas the new one would be pale yellow/ crimson/ colourless. The change is instantly noticeable as it comes out of the tube.

[@vaibhavchauhan8945]

Thank you for clearing my confusion Please make more informative video like this we love to watch.

[@shanedude120]

Great video. I will try this myself. How much quantity of brake fluid needed for this? is the 250 ml one enough? Would try Liqui moly this time.

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi, thanks! You’ll need about 2.5-3 litres for the complete flush.

[@varunlolla2654]

Hey Balan, a fantastic video. A little question as well. Is it necessary to turn the engine ON, when bleeding the brakes?

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Varun. No it’s not required to have the engine on while bleeding brakes.

[@varunlolla2654]

@@GaneshBalan Thanks for the info!

[@lokeshpattnayak4739]

Thank you for the detailed video .. Looking fwd to perform it in polo 1.2 TSI.. Any idea where can we get the NRV valve that you have used for the bleeding..

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Lokesh. Thanks for the feedback man. The NRV is not mandatory but that said it’s available on boodmo. A cheaper one from Mahindra costs just 25 bucks. The one I’ve used is from Toyota. boodmo.com/catalog/part-non_return_valve_washer-6595416/

[@rnkaushal2]

Hi gannu ! Looking forward to following your video for my polo mpi. There are some videos that use vcds to bleed brakes: any comments?

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Kaushal, VCDS also has an option to bleed brakes but the developer Uwe Ross himself recommends using the simple brake bleeding method to bleed them over VCDS. Have read it on the VCDS forums. :)

[@rnkaushal2]

@@GaneshBalan wow ! Nice bit of info! Will bleed em manually then

[@GaneshBalan]

VCDS is used to pump/operate the ABS module when a new one is installed to get rid of air from the system.

[@sajet12]

Nice video Ganesh. Can you come up with a video on Car paint? My Polo Black color roof and bonnet has faded. Would appreciate if you make a video.

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Tejas. I’m really terrible at paint corrections and stuff man. I usually give my car for detailing at a good detailing centre. Do you frequently park your car outside under the sun? If you do, please avoid it. Sunlight has harsh UV rays which kills the paint gradually. Every car paint has a clear coat which protects UV rays to a good extent but this coating wears off eventually. That’s why you see several faded white taxis; becoming creamy in shade. Bird poop as well. It is acidic in nature and will stain the paint permanently if left for a longer duration.

[@sajet12]

@@GaneshBalan ok Ganesh. Thanks for the reply I will avoid parking outside.

[@bijucarcare3811]

Great job!! Why can't we bleed brakes with the engine running.?

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Biju, thanks! Frankly speaking, I haven’t seen anyone attempt brake bleeding with the engine on so I did not turn mine on as well during the process. I’ve read that turning the engine on can result in fluctuations in the hydraulic pressure within the closed system because of the operation of the vacuum booster or ABS module and this can potentially risk introducing air bubbles into the system.

[@mdpasha1273]

Good job 👏

[@GaneshBalan]

Thanks Mohammed. 😊

[@ashwinprakas606]

Would you be able to provide a link for the Check Valve, would love to get one for myself.

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Ashwin, here’s the link: boodmo.com/catalog/part-valve_sub_assy-7351395/ I sourced it from the US sometime back along with a bunch of some other parts. But here’s a cheaper one from Mahindra: boodmo.com/catalog/part-non_return_valve_washer-6595416/

[@ashwinprakas606]

​@@GaneshBalan Thanks a Ton!

[@vickysharma6055]

How much brake fluid is required ?

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Vicky, approx. 1.5L for complete flushing including the clutch line.

[@vickysharma6055]

Thanks for the reply🙏

[@ayazmziyad]

Does the new bleeder screw you've shown fit on the front calipers as well?

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi, no they’re different. Front callipers and the rear drum brake assembly use different bleeder screw. Front callipers have an M10x1 bleeder screw whereas the rear drum brake assembly uses an M7x38 bleeder screw.

[@navmeet7]

Hi Ganesh, I can see in this video that you are using Bilstien Suspension. I need you help to decide as I want to change the stock dampers & springs too in the favour of good ride & handling on my Vento TSI 1L. While the car has only run 15K & 2 years old but I don’t like the stock suspension setup. Which ones do you suggest B6 or B8

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Navmeet, Bilsteins would make the ride very stiff. Not recommended if this is your family car. Instead, I would advise you to switch to TRW shock absorbers. They give an optimum balance of comfort and control. I haven’t used the B8 or sat in a Polo that had B8 setup so can’t comment on it.

[@Gabasto]

Can I bleed brakes without flushing old fluid and instead just topping up

[@GaneshBalan]

No that would be just topping up any deficient brake fluid not bleeding. Points to a leak somewhere in the system.

[@ayazmziyad]

What tubing did you use for connecting to the bleeder valve ?

[@GaneshBalan]

Just a simple see-through hose that you get in local hardware stores.

[@TR-kd6uf]

Ganesh,Safety goggle while spraying is a good idea

[@GaneshBalan]

Yeah I agree. To be frank, while I did this, a bit went into my eyes (which I’ve edited out from the clip 😜) but in close quarters it is best to be safe and wear a pair of goggles.

[@TR-kd6uf]

@@GaneshBalan BTW how do you source WURTH products?

[@GaneshBalan]

Amazon dude. I check the reviews and buy them.

[@sushil-D2312]

please make video of coolant flush in polo tdi

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Sushil, I’ll try on a friend’s Polo as I’ve sold my GT TDI 2 years back.

[@sushil-D2312]

@@GaneshBalan 👍👍👍

[@ctmartin473]

Good 👍

[@GaneshBalan]

Thank you Martin. 😊

[@randomsomeguy156]

hi mate, the polo 6r has ABS, how did you bleed the abs module?

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi, I followed the conventional method and did not specifically bleed the ABS module. If the ABS module is to be bled, you’ll have to use VCDS and do the bleeding which is a time-intensive process.

[@randomsomeguy156]

@@GaneshBalan so as long as there's no issue with abs module, conventional method is fine? How long did the brake pedal feel firm after the service? thanks your for your responses! edit: what is the inner and outer size of the plastic (vinyl) tube, and what is the part number for the new bleeder valve?

[@GaneshBalan]

Yes, the conventional method works well for ABS equipped cars as well. The change in the brake pedal’s feel was evident after changing the fluid. This is usually present if you do a proper bleeding without air getting trapped in the system. As for the tubing, I don’t have the details. It is something you get in local hardware outlets. For the check valve from Toyota, the part number is 85321-26020.

[@allyouneed3412]

Watching ☺️

[@Gabasto]

Hi how do I know when to stop pumping the break?

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Jack, when you notice the color of the fluid being flushed change from the brownish shade to the yellow/transparent one from the new fluid, you can stop pumping the brakes then. You are essentially pumping out the old mucky fluid from the system and replacing it with new fluid.

[@dieselhead5891]

If you have vcds or Obdeleven just loosen all the nipples and turn on the ABS pump from Engine output tests menu it will turn on the pump

[@GaneshBalan]

The conventional method works best. Uwe Ross - the founder of VCDS and their employees vouch for the conventional method over the VCDS one. forums.ross-tech.com/index.php?threads/674/ Another one here - forums.ross-tech.com/index.php?threads/41621/#post-342036

[@vickysharma6055]

Is it ok to use bosch brake fluid or do we have to only use VW OEM?

[@GaneshBalan]

I’ve used Bosch DOT 3 fluid on my Polo during this video and the OEM brake fluid before. Both worked well. Went with Bosch as it was easier to procure through Amazon.

[@vickysharma6055]

Thanks for the reply 🙏

[@randomsomeguy156]

@@GaneshBalan hi mate, it should be dot 4 LV brake fluid

[@GaneshBalan]

Both DOT 3/4 works. DOT 4 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3. DOT 5 is a completely different, silicone-based fluid unlike 3 and 4 which are glycol based and cannot be used with 3/4.

[@dhirajkaile]

Hello Ganesh, dkaile here from TeamBhp Can the same process be followed on my 2012 Skoda Superb Mk2 1.8tsi manual transmission car? Can this be done with the car turned off so I don't get any error messages. Recently got the brake fluid changed at the local dealer but he did not do it properly and left some air in the system, so I feel the brakes a little spongy. Planning to do it myself. Clutch slave cylinder feel is OK, so I will not repeat that. As the brake fluid is already new, only want to remove air bubbles, if any, not bleed the entire system again. Kindly advice...

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi bro. Yes this is the standard procedure for brake bleeding in all cars. You also have the electronic means of doing it by using the ABS module and the VCDS application but it is complicated and lengthy. You can do this with the car turned off - no problems. If you don’t have to bleed the clutch, it is all the more simpler. Just remove the wheels and bleed each brake one after the other, starting from the farthest wheel from the brake fluid reservoir first which is the one behind the front passenger side. Please have one more person sit in the driver side to press the brake pedal as you command, after the bleeder valve is loosened. Very important - tighten the bleeder valve after the pedal is depressed. Good luck! :) Let me know if you have any queries.

[@vickysharma6055]

I had heard that this method causes cylinder seals to overheat and damage, is it true?

[@GaneshBalan]

No it isn’t. This is how you change the fluid in the absence of a vacuum based bleeder. It is perfectly safe and is practised by a lot of users around the world.

[@vickysharma6055]

@@GaneshBalan 🙏Thanks for reply

[@vickysharma6055]

Skoda ASC says no need to replace brake fluid until it's looking fine, what to do now?

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Vicky, most service advisors are not aware what needs to be done and only has textbook knowledge of cars and their mechanisms. Check this link - www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/technical-stuff/2016262d1591955769-vw-polo-maintenance-service-cost-dos-donts-maintenance.jpg Check serial 23. The first change is to be done after 3 years and then every 2 years. Insist them to do it.

[@vickysharma6055]

Thanks for the reply 🙏

[@vickysharma6055]

Keep engine on or off during process?

[@GaneshBalan]

Off.

[@AbhishekKr1902]

everyone does the same in service centers, not just limited to pole vento dude ☺

[@GaneshBalan]

What I meant was this video was specific to the Polo and Vento so the tools are going to be the same. While the process is similar for other cars, the tools and the quantity of fluid would be different. Service centres also use a more professional approach for filling the fluid using a machine which applies pressure to the brake fluid container and automatically tops up the fluid. There’s no need to manually fill the fluid. Trust this is clear. :)

[@StarlordRider]

What is the total quantity of the brake fluid we need in polo ?

[@GaneshBalan]

Approx. 1.5 - 2 litres. Depends on how much you flush out of the brakes installed at each wheel and the clutch.

[@Prashantautobots1103]

Clutch like neutral ..?

[@GaneshBalan]

Didn’t understand your query man.

[@nay5398]

Is that the salve cylinder?

[@GaneshBalan]

Which one?

[@antebeljan1053]

Where did you refill clutch fluid?

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Beljan, the clutch shares the same brake fluid from the brake fluid reservoir. So just had to top that up.

[@ujjwalmaurya6161]

Which spray cleaner is this?

[@GaneshBalan]

I’m using both STP and Wurth’s brake cleaner spray. They both work very well.

[@ujjwalmaurya6161]

Which type of spray at Brake fluid reservoir area? Is it wd 40 type general spray or something else?

[@GaneshBalan]

Brake cleaner spray. Please don’t use WD40! It has an oily base and will leave an oily residue where it is sprayed. Use an IPA based brake cleaner spray.

[@naviattlas6546]

I would prefer VW workshop to do it for me, it’s a very complex and time consuming job.

[@gkautomotive]

It isn't. It's surely a bit time consuming but isn't complex at all.

[@GaneshBalan]

Some folks love DIY whereas some others prefer dropping the car at the service centre for the routine maintenance. To each his own.

[@gkautomotive]

Also, VW workshop would charge you a bomb while not flushing the fluid from the rear wheels and would never touch the clutch slave cylinder too. Been there. Faced that. Sworn never to go back to them.

[@philpots3216]

​@@gkautomotiveyep, I find having the confidence to do things ones self is a good thing,, I cant stand leaving my car with garages, even main dealers lie.

[@arjunbabu6999]

Hi bro polo 1.2 mpi engine number location onn parayumo

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Arjun, korchu samayam tharu. I’ll ask my friend and will check.

[@arjunbabu6999]

@@GaneshBalan any lead bro?

[@KpBasha]

Where is your garage in Chennai and send contact number

[@GaneshBalan]

Hi Basha, I don’t have a garage yet. 😄 This was done on my personal car.