Brake fluid color

[podan]

I purchased a 2017 Jeep Wrangler back in October last year. The service records didn't show the last time the brake fluid was flushed, so I took care of that with new Valvoline DOT 3 & 4. I did the old-fashioned, helper pumps the brakes, and bled at each caliper. No issues with the brakes. That was October 12 at 48,138 miles.

Fast forward to this weekend: the fluid in the reservoir looks like tea at only 2,000 miles and 5 months. The pic is what I pulled out of the reservoir and replaced with more fresh fluid. What would cause the fluid to discolor that badly that fast? I imagine I will flush from the calipers again as soon as I have time.

 

[Boomer]

Could be rubber parts slowly contributing this color. The Jeep is 9 years old.

 

[podan]

I didn't consider rubber parts in the brake system. Maybe so.

I may look for one of the battery fluid testers as well to check water content (though I see mixed reviews).

 

[Ride_Red]

Check the rubber seal on the reservoir cap. It could have a crack in it letting moisture in.
Also could be leaching old fluid from the antilock brake system. If you only flush by pressing the pedal and draining the calipers, there is still some fluid left in the antilock controller.

 

[DCDG]

I purchased a 2017 Jeep Wrangler back in October last year. The service records didn't show the last time the brake fluid was flushed, so I took care of that with new Valvoline DOT 3 & 4. I did the old-fashioned, helper pumps the brakes, and bled at each caliper. No issues with the brakes. That was October 12 at 48,138 miles.

Fast forward to this weekend: the fluid in the reservoir looks like tea at only 2,000 miles and 5 months. The pic is what I pulled out of the reservoir and replaced with more fresh fluid. What would cause the fluid to discolor that badly that fast? I imagine I will flush from the calipers again as soon as I have time.

View attachment 327724

Maybe residual from the first brake flush left in the abs module finally worked its way to the calipers. If you bled the system and topped off the master with fresh fluid in 1,000 miles I would crack the bleed nipple at each corner to re-check.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

Maybe drive on a gravel road and brake so that your ABS activate and circulate the fluid.
Get the dirty fluid out of the reservoir 'before' flushing again.

 

[barryh]

Very unusual for brake fluid to darken that quickly as it means the fluid has absorbed moisture and is oxidising. I know you are going to change it but it would be interesting to know how the fluid tests.

 

[The Critic]

My Ram does the same thing. I have flushed the fluid every 2 years since new and the fluid always darkens quickly.

 

[97K15004WD]

Leeching copper maybe?