Brake Fluid Change Frequency

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Jul 30, 2008 | 12:54 AM
  #1  
I'm unable to find any info on when to perform a brake fluid flush? When or how many miles before a brake fluid flush is necessary, under normal driving conditions?
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Jul 30, 2008 | 02:23 AM
  #2  
my dealership told me 100K or 5 years. That is a service writer however.
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Jul 30, 2008 | 05:54 PM
  #3  
I do mine every 2 years since brake fluid is hydroscopic(spelling)it attracts moisture which is no good for a brake system.
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Jul 30, 2008 | 08:42 PM
  #4  
I would recommend at the very least at 50k.

You will notice a difference in the firmness of the pedal feel when you replace the fluid.

Even if the fluid looks new in the reservoir, the fluid at the calipers can be quite spent since it doesn't circulate all that well.
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Jul 30, 2008 | 10:11 PM
  #5  
I'd do a visual inspection on the brake fluid first. If your reservoir looks like it's filled with cola rather than cream soda, It's time. For most people about 2 years or 30,000-50,000 miles is about right.
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Jul 30, 2008 | 10:32 PM
  #6  
I go no more than 2 years, regardless of mileage, because the fluid still absorbs water from the ambient air when it's sitting still.
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Jul 31, 2008 | 03:06 AM
  #7  
Quote: I go no more than 2 years, regardless of mileage, because the fluid still absorbs water from the ambient air when it's sitting still.
Agreed. Although I think 3 years would be okay. Also depends on the fluid used. Use one of the exotic fluids and you're looking at every 2 at the MAX.

Use a GOOD common fluid like the Valvoline synthetic dot 3/4 and one could go 3 years without a sweat.
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Jul 31, 2008 | 07:44 AM
  #8  
Once a year is best! once every 2 years should be OK.
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Jul 31, 2008 | 11:50 AM
  #9  
once a year for me. I changed the fluid twice already this year alone.
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Jul 31, 2008 | 11:55 AM
  #10  
Quote: once a year for me. I changed the fluid twice already this year alone.
what da! y so often? you must know a trick or two to change it fast...
My car is 5yr/80k right now.. and i haven't changed it once..
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Jul 31, 2008 | 12:37 PM
  #11  
Quote: what da! y so often? you must know a trick or two to change it fast...
My car is 5yr/80k right now.. and i haven't changed it once..
my car goes through hell almost every weekend, i wanna make sure it is maintained properly. I don't think u will find many drivers like myself, even on this forum.
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Jul 31, 2008 | 12:40 PM
  #12  
Quote: my car goes through hell almost every weekend, i wanna make sure it is maintained properly. I don't think u will find many drivers like myself, even on this forum.
Werd. I've read that if you stress your brake fluid via high heat, one should change it. I assume you are using some exotic high BP stuff since you change it alot anyway.

What's your preferred brake fluid flush method anyway?
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Jul 31, 2008 | 12:45 PM
  #13  
Quote: Werd. I've read that if you stress your brake fluid via high heat, one should change it. I assume you are using some exotic high BP stuff since you change it alot anyway.

What's your preferred brake fluid flush method anyway?
I had no use for it when i did it twice this year. After the track day and cooking my brakes many times i figured i should just change it. After the bleeding process they told me there was no need for it. When they did my diff/tranny/clutch fluid as well for the second time at 60k they asked me if i had brand new fluids in there, my car was the first car they ever did with such clean old fluid coming out from everywhere. First complete fluid change was done at 35k and the second one was done at 60. I am good for atleast 100k. It feels good to know ur car is running with fresh fluids all the time. I have hardly had any type of problems with this car as a result.
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Jul 31, 2008 | 02:34 PM
  #14  
If brake fluid EVER BOILS it causes a destructive chemical change, therefore it should be replaced after every boil or race weekend.

Rather than the master cylinder the brake fluid in the front calipers should be tested. Bleed some out and measure the moisture content with strips or optical meter or electronic devices made and sold for this purpose!

http://www.nextag.com/brake-fluid-tester/search-html
http://www.gwrauto.com/stripdip.htm
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/phofascar-1-100.html
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Aug 1, 2008 | 08:48 AM
  #15  
That's it. I want Q45Tech working on my car.
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