Brake fluid

[Mike99]

Is it necessary to flush your hydraulic brake fluid occasionally? Does it go bad and cause caliper seals to fail?

 

[sberry]

Old fluid doesn't help.

 

[Hagatronics]

Hydraulic fluid absorbs moisture over time which lowers its' boiling temperature. You want your fluid to remain an incomprehensible liquid at all times as boiling (aka air bubbles) makes for a spongy, inconsistent brake pedal.

I don't think it damages the seals.

 

[Hagatronics]

The higher the temperature rating of the fluid typically the faster it absorbs water and the more frequently it needs changing.

 

[Tonyuk]

Yes,

It should be changed whenever the vehicle manufacturer specifies.

For VAG its after 3 years when new then every 2 years.

Caliper seals will fail eventually even if you change the fluid.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

Is it necessary to flush your hydraulic brake fluid occasionally? Does it go bad and cause caliper seals to fail?

I don't think old brake fluid directly damages the seals but corroded pistons, bores and loose rust particles sure do.

 

[5ktq]

A lot of manufacturers say 2 years, but I think that is probably only needed if you live in a swamp.

Its semi-arid here and I only change it if I have to have the system open anyway, not as a routine maintenance. (unless I just bought the car and it was black, or something). So thats more like 5+ years for me.

 

[The Fall]

Hydraulic fluid absorbs moisture over time which lowers its' boiling temperature. You want your fluid to remain an incomprehensible liquid at all times as boiling (aka air bubbles) makes for a spongy, inconsistent brake pedal.

I don't think it damages the seals.

This right here. We work on a lot of cars that sit for more than two or three years and that's when trouble with seals starts to happen. I've switched out a lot of wheel cylinders. Pull back the rubber boot and it's rusty mud.

 

[engineer2]

I do it every other brake job, or sooner if the fluid in the master cylinder starts to turn amber.

 

[ZX3ST]

Is it necessary to flush your hydraulic brake fluid occasionally?

Yes. Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In addition to causing brake failure at high temps when the fluid boils, the water content can also corrode metal brake lines.

If you're going to the track, they won't allow you on the pavement unless your fluid is less than 6 months old.

For street applications, they say minimum every 2 years. Same for most types of antifreeze. Some of the newer formulations can go a longer time.

Does it go bad and cause caliper seals to fail?

Can't say for sure, but it definitely doesn't help.

 

[aussiek2000]

I change mine once per year usually. I run my car's brakes pretty hard on the track, and my trucks while towing. Good fluid is only about $20 and we have the equipment at work.

 

[64merc]

Don't judge, but for what it's worth, I flushed the brake fluid for the first time on my 2004 Grand Am just this year before I sold it and it looked pretty good. It was a little darker, but not terrible. I never had any issues with the brakes except for a stuck caliper about 8 years back. I just flushed my wifes 2005 Vibe this year too.

With this said, I've learned my lesson and will do a flush more often, and do not recommend going 14 years between flushes.

Edit: both vehicles were old but only had between 100K-120K miles

 

[rijndael]

My Toyota just got the first flush after 8 years and 100K miles. The fluid came out clear and looked great, color wise I couldn't tell it from the stuff that went in. I didn't have any issues, I just changed it for peace of mind. It read under .3 DC Volts with a meter.

 

[Mike99]

I just did the same thing. First flush on 1999 camry which I had since new. The old fluid looked the same as the new stuff. Havnt had any unusual brake issues. How important could it be? Just about time for a new camry though. 315000 km. Getting a little rusty underneath but engine and ****** still strong!

 

[L.Cheapo]

At least one manufacturer I know for certain says not to flush several fluids, including brake fluid, unless contaminated by a failed part. So I'd go with what the factory service manual says.

 

[Bruce Amacker]

Ford fluid seems to turn dark quickly, Asian cars do not seem to have this problem. I change Ford fluid more often.

 

[Flat-rate]

Here at the GM dealer, fluid flushing is not recommended by the manufacture unless contaminated. Funny thing is after 3 yrs it turns a funky color and it has an odor to it. We try to sell a flush while doing a regular pad replacement if it's more than 50k or 3 yrs.

I do my own Honda every 2 yrs. Fluid and my time don't cost nothing.

 

[APEowner]

...If you're going to the track, they won't allow you on the pavement unless your fluid is less than 6 months old...

What sanctioning body has that rule and how do they inspect for that?

 

[exmaxima1]

Brake fluid change is cheap. If old fluid ruins your ABS controller, you'd wish you weren't.

 

[Skin]

Not necessary but probably a good idea with a brake job to at least pump a new quart or two in. If doing something like a master or abs module then yes drain and start over.

 

[dkroth]

Yearly or bi-annual flushes keep the bleeder screws loose.




.

 

[redmondjp]

Yearly or bi-annual flushes keep the bleeder screws loose.

I use a small amount of anti-sieze on the bleeder screw threads, and always use the rubber sealing caps (just bought a package of them on Amazon) to keep stuff out.

 

[ebamba]

After flushing out the old brake fluid, where do you dispose of it?

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

After flushing out the old brake fluid, where do you dispose of it?

It is good for cocktails; makes a mean ****** Mary.

 

[rijndael]

After flushing out the old brake fluid, where do you dispose of it?

It goes in the same container as used motor oil.

 

[Skin]

After flushing out the old brake fluid, where do you dispose of it?

Any place that burns used oil can mix it in safely. If a company is trying to recycle the oil then don't mix it in. Call local garages/auto parts stores and ask.

 

[BonzoHansen]

I flush mine every time I do shoes or pads.

 

[ZX3ST]

What sanctioning body has that rule and how do they inspect for that?

Porsche Club of America. They require a pre-event checkup at a mechanic of your choice, who signs a form for you. They test the moisture content of the brake fluid during the inspection, among other things.