Brake flush, air filters and coolant.

[Southbama]

Good morning everyone! I am at the 2 year mark of owning my '22 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. This weekend I am going to do a brake flush. Searching the forum, I did not find much on the subject. I am wondering if any of you have used your scan tool to activate ABS? If so, I am wondering whether you used the inside or outside bleeder valve to flush the ABS? The scan tool does not recognize or make mention of 2 valves, it just tells you which corner to bleed. Also interested in hearing whether you guys even deem it necessary to bleed ABS? There are so many varying opinions on the subject. The brake system has never been opened, and I am still on original rotors and pads.

I changed the air filters last weekend at 18,000 miles with original filters. I could not believe how filthy they were. There is quite a noticeable improvement in throttle response with the new filters. Too early to determine if there is a fuel mileage improvement. Given how dirty they were, I am going to do every 10,000 miles going forward. 2 filters cost $73 from Suncoast, took about an hour and a half to replace.

Also, a few days ago I started the car and got a message "Refill coolant, be careful of engine temperature". The message was only displayed for a few seconds, and no CEL. I have never had any notification of a coolant issue prior. I went to the dealer and acquired a gallon of coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water, and surprisingly it took 40 ounces to top it off. No leaks anywhere. Has anyone else had to top off coolant, absent any leak?

[WillyDaP]

Just a quick question are you considering taking it in to the Dealer for the 2nd year maintenance? Though pricey it is both beneficial for future owners to see documentation, and it can't hurt if any warranty issues pop up. Plus under warranty now, so good time for check on the coolant issue.

[J-Dub]

I have not yet bled my brakes, they were bled in February right before I purchased it CPO. On other vehicles I have used a scan tool to activate the ABS module, afterwords I did not notice any difference in pedal feel. It is often said you don't need to cycle the ABS unless you have introduced air into the system. I get the counter point that some old fluid may be trapped in there. I personally would not worry about it, do it if it makes you feel better.
Regarding which bleed nipple inside vs outside again little difference here. The fluid moves around in the lines so the old is always mixing with the new, the main point is to get the bulk of the old out.
Are you going to use the motive power bleeder or similar?

[Southbama]

I have not yet bled my brakes, they were bled in February right before I purchased it CPO. On other vehicles I have used a scan tool to activate the ABS module, afterwords I did not notice any difference in pedal feel. It is often said you don't need to cycle the ABS unless you have introduced air into the system. I get the counter point that some old fluid may be trapped in there. I personally would not worry about it, do it if it makes you feel better.
Regarding which bleed nipple inside vs outside again little difference here. The fluid moves around in the lines so the old is always mixing with the new, the main point is to get the bulk of the old out.
Are you going to use the motive power bleeder or similar?

Yes, will use my Motive bleeder, and may follow with some of the old 2 man method if pedal feel is not what I want.

[J-Dub]

Regarding the air filters, yes I was also surprised how filthy mine were as well. I replaced mine at 10k miles and the originals were filthy but what was worse is all of the debris in the intake tube. I think I will make cleaning the intake tube a yearly maintenance thing, like cleaning the debris out of the area around the radiators.

The coolant warning, yes I have had that but I had a radiator puncture. I did not know it at the time but the coolant fill port on the 4.0 engines is a reservoir meaning you can open that port with a hot engine and pour in distilled( or de-ionized) water any time, even hot. Simply pour till the little stick floats. Any excess left in the cup will overflow and drip out. Wipe up with a rag and you are good to go. Typically only the water evaporates so if you ever need to just top it up it is fine to just use water.

[Southbama]

Just a quick question are you considering taking it in to the Dealer for the 2nd year maintenance? Though pricey it is both beneficial for future owners to see documentation, and it can't hurt if any warranty issues pop up. Plus under warranty now, so good time for check on the coolant issue.

No, I will conduct the 2 year service myself. At 62 years old, this will be my last ICE automobile, and to be honest, I enjoy doing the work myself. I do keep comprehensive records on all maintenance work done with receipts for parts and materials. The buyer of my previous 2014 Cayman S was blown away by the documentation that I provided for maintenance. Also, the local dealer always screws something up when they have the car, and I have even caught them stating that they performed work that they did not.

[WillyDaP]

Easy to respect that and I am in a different situation as my son works for my local Porsche Store, and he knows Dad is beyond picky so the Techs have already been warned about me , ha. I have actually been super impressed with the guys though, so lucky in that respect.

PS - when I was your age I thought I would be on my last car for tracking/playing and I have had 6 since then , so you never know, ha,ha. I have a feeling you will probably have a chance to get another ICE machine before you get to be my age.

[WillyDaP]

J-Dub...........thanks for the solid tip on the intake tube, and not surprised about the air filters you and SouthBama mentioned. I appreciate that info since I know in general tracking a car the filters get dirty much quicker. From your two examples it appears folks need to be looking into that sooner than they might.

[reiver]

I used a Motive bleeder and did it in a conventional manner and it worked just fine. I replace the engines air filters every 7k miles...Az is dusty.

[slilley]

Here are my notes for the brake fluid flush job. I've done it now twice on my '22 CGTS with 10K miles:

• Use pliers to pull out yellow plastic filter in reservoir top

• Suck out old fluid from reservoir using turkey baster or Mityvac

• 11mm for brake bleeder nipples

• Torque bleeder nipples to 11-13Nm

• Don’t bother running ABS pump; not worth it imho

• I've been told we can use Pentosin Super DOT4 LV Fluid, but I've ordered Porsche fluid from Suncoast both times

• One quart is enough to do the job, but I always have a second quart on-hand just in case.

I don't think I've ever gotten out the torque wrench for the bleeder nipples; the torque is so low that I trust my "by feel" method more than my smaller torque wrenches (which have never been calibrated after coming from the factory). Yea, I know, probably me being stupid and unnecessarily paranoid, but I'm terribly afraid of over-tightening the bleeder nipples.

Air Filters will get done next year for the first time. And I have no plans to replace the coolant until I have a leak or the thermostat gets replaced. My understanding is that it's a job that has to be done under a vacuum to prevent air from getting trapped anywhere in the path.