Brake Fluid

[unit731]

In reading another post, someone mentioned on routine maintenance to change the brake fluid every two years.

 

I have also read this in magazines.

 

How many do this? And what's the deal/purpose?

[jrrod2004]

keep it fresh and moisture free........

[MS3DALE]

I change/flush mine every two/three years.

Brake fluid collects moisture.

[dlstewart01]

I change my brake fluid every 2 to 3 years and use Castrol GT LMA .4.

 

Don

[Indy]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. Years back, brake systems were not well sealed against moisture (and the drum brakes were great for boiling the fluid) and changing fluid regularly was an important safety consideration. Now we have rubber diaphragms isolating the fluid from humidity in the air , so corrosion and lowered boiling points due to moisture absorption are much less of an issue. (although water vapor can permeate through hoses, etc. in small quantities.)

It's certainly cheap insurance to bleed the old fluid at the least when changing pads etc., and it also reduces the chances of having a seized bleed screw when/if you really need to bleed.

[rjirvine]

I Use my pressure bleeder tank (from ebay) and bleed my brakes with valvoline synpower fluid every 2 years. You'll be surprised what comes out. I would definately do it before changing any pads/shoes.

[Mikeee]

When ever I do rotors I always open the bleeder to push the caliper back in. Then top off the tank.

 

On shoe jobs I pump 2-3 time with the bleeder open. Then top of the tank.

 

I've got one of those $3 bottle and magnet and tubing sets.

 

I look at it like a mini flush.

[jpshea88]

i just got a newsletter from AMSOIL, they have a new synthetic brake fluid out

 

I'm gonna try it on my next flush

[Zembonez]

I've never changed brake fluid in any vehicle I have ever owned. At nearly 100k my 01 Silverado still had the original brake pads front and rear. In fact, I've never had a brake failure in hindreds of thousands of miles of driving.

 

I'm not saying it will hurt anything to change it, but unless the system is opened, there should be no real reason to change the fluid. Just my .02

 

EDIT: I think that reads wrong. I realize that over time the fluid can decay. I can see where changing it when doing brake service could be a good idea.

[pm26]

I've never changed brake fluid in any vehicle I have ever owned. At nearly 100k my 01 Silverado still had the original brake pads front and rear. In fact, I've never had a brake failure in hindreds of thousands of miles of driving.

 

I'm not saying it will hurt anything to change it, but unless the system is opened, there should be no real reason to change the fluid. Just my .02

 

Not a good idea. I let my motorcycle go for 8 years without changing the brake fluid and when I opened the master cylinder, there was crud in there that would never have formed if I had been changing fluid regularly. And the system was never opened. Now I replace brake fluid in all of my vehicles every two years.

[hubbycap]

I've never changed brake fluid in any vehicle I have ever owned. At nearly 100k my 01 Silverado still had the original brake pads front and rear. In fact, I've never had a brake failure in hindreds of thousands of miles of driving.

 

I'm not saying it will hurt anything to change it, but unless the system is opened, there should be no real reason to change the fluid. Just my .02

 

 

As someone who only runs up 20K/year I can say that at 100K the brake fluid can look like pond scum. Every two years may be premature but 4-5 years is the limit for me.

 

Jim, 2005 Jacob's Creek Merlot. Very good year.

[Zembonez]

Jim, 2005 Jacob's Creek Merlot. Very good year.

Leasingham Clare Valley 2004 for us tonight. Another Aussie Riesling. A nice light wine with just a hint of charred oak.

 

Pete. Most of my vehicles are only kept a year or two max. I never have to do brake work on them. This contributes to my not changing of brake fluid for sure. I could be persuaded to change my mind on a vehicle that I was keeping long term I am sure. I never had to do any brake work on the 01.

[hubbycap]

Jim, 2005 Jacob's Creek Merlot. Very good year.

Leasingham Clare Valley 2004 for us tonight. Another Aussie Riesling. A nice light wine with just a hint of charred oak.

 

Pete. Most of my vehicles are only kept a year or two max. I never have to do brake work on them. This contributes to my not changing of brake fluid for sure. I could be persuaded to change my mind on a vehicle that I was keeping long term I am sure. I never had to do any brake work on the 01.

 

 

 

I know you really put the miles on 'em. I'm not sure if it's the miles or the years, but I suspect it's the years.

 

Jacobs Creek surprisingly good middle for a merlot and a great deglaze for the marinara made with my homemade Italian sausage.

[Zembonez]

Jacobs Creek surprisingly good middle for a merlot and a great deglaze for the marinara made with my homemade Italian sausage.

That sounds pretty good!

We have switched over to Le Village Du Sud - A French Syrah Vin De Pays D'oc 2005 - You just never know about us.

 

I suspect time is the enemy when it comes to brake fluid. I just don't normally keep them long enough.

[hubbycap]

That sounds pretty good!

We have switched over to Le Village Du Sud - A French Syrah Vin De Pays D'oc 2005 - You just never know about us.

 

A red? You?