I've just had my '01 octavia TDI in for its annual inspection service and asked the dealer to change the brake fluid as per the manufacturers recommendations. A day or two later I had to change a wheel and noticed that the bleed nipple on the brake caliper showed no sign of having been touched - no spanner marks and no trace of brake fluid. On checking the other brakes I found them all the same. When I contacted the dealer to enquire how they managed to change the fluid without bleeding through each caliper I was told oh we use a vacuum system! Can anyone enlighten me on how it is possible to ensure that no old fluid remains trapped in brake calipers using this method?

Incidently they charged me for approximately 3/4 hour to do this job! Any comments please. :confused:

John, The Only Ay You Can Bleed The Brake System On Any Car Properly Is Through The (bleed) Nipples On The Calipers And Or Rear Wheel Cylinders.

As For The No Residue Around The Nipples, You Always Get A Little Bit Of Residue!

The Vacuum System Would Still Be Used Via The Bleed Nipples

Sounds like they just sucked the fluid out of the reservior to me.

Not really changing the brake fluid and not how Skoda recomened its done. And quite frankly pointless.

If the vacuumed all the fluid out they would then still have to refill and bleed it out to remove the air.

I smell something myself.

Sounds like you may have had your pants pulled down mate.