Brake Fluid Reservoir; Renewal Of Brake Fluid; Brake Bleeding Procedure - Lotus Evora Service Notes

Lotus Service Notes

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR

As a bulb check, the tell tale should light for about 3 seconds when the ignition is first turned on, but may
also be tested by pressing the button on the filler cap, which action should light the tell tale with the ignition
switched on.
The reservoir is mounted on a bracket fixed to the wiper spindle support, and is connected to the master
cylinder by flexible hoses. An internal baffle divides the reservoir into two compartments, with one section sup-
plying the front brake circuit, and a second section supplying the rear brakes in addition to, via another flexible
hose, the clutch master cylinder. Service wear of the clutch friction plate will cause fluid to be displaced from
the self adjusting clutch slave cylinder, back to the reservoir, and will counteract to some extent the dropping
of the level due to brake pad wear.
If the reservoir needs topping up, first clean around the cap to reduce the possibility of contamination be-
fore unscrewing the cap; it is not necessary to disconnect the level sensor cables. Take suitable precautions
to guard against damage to paintwork caused by brake fluid dripping from the level sensor.
Use only a fresh supply of DOT 4 non-mineral type fluid,identified by a yellow and black symbol. Do NOT
use DOT 5 silicone fluid, or any fluid which has been exposed to the atmosphere for more than a brief period,
or any fluid suspected of being wet, dirty or contaminated. Do not overfill. Replace the filler cap securely.
Some service operations, such as replacing brake pads, will result in the displacement of fluid from the
hydraulic circuit back into the reservoir. In order to prevent fluid overflowing from the reservoir, it may be nec-
essary to remove some fluid using a syringe.

Renewal of Brake Fluid

Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere over a period of time (i.e. is hygroscopic), resulting in a
lowering of the boiling point of the fluid, and corrosion of the hydraulic system. For optimum safety and brake
performance, the brake fluid should be renewed every twelve months (including clutch release system).

Brake Bleeding Procedure

If the brake fluid is to be renewed, or an hydraulic component replaced, the system should be bled of air
using the following procedure:
1. Using conventional manual techniques, or low air pressure applied to the reservoir, bleed the system from
each calliper bleed nipple in turn until no air bubbles can be seen.
2. Connect the Lotus Techcentre to the diagnostic link, select ABS and follow the brake bleeding instructions.
Whilst this automatic process is taking place (with all 4 calliper nipples open), gently cycle the brake pedal
up and down whilst keeping the reservoir topped up, to move any air bubbles displaced from the ABS unit
down the hydraulic lines. Finish by closing each nipple with the pedal down.
3. Repeat step (1) to purge each calliper feed line in turn.
JL.4 - BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT (front and rear)
Pad thickness may be checked with the wheel removed without disturbing the calliper.
Standard pad thickness (excluding backplate);
Minimum pad thickness (excluding backplate);
Non-mineral type brake fluid symbol
(yellow & black)
ohe21
12.0 mm
2.5 mm
Section JL
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