I'm planning to flush the brake fluid on my 2007 Santa Fe and looking through my garage I found a sealed bottle of valvoline DOT 4 brake fluid I'm thinking of using. My only concern is the bottle is 3-4 years old. I know brake fluid will absorb moisture, do I have to worry about this with a sealed, unopened bottle?
Brake fluid question
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As little as a new bottle of brake fluid costs I would not use it. I would use it for bleeding the brakes though.
Sealed its good for 5 years, but your vehicle is a 2007; not very old. I just flushed my BMW for the first time in 18 years. Dealer said it never needs to be done as the flush a bit of fluid each brake job.
BMW recommends brake fluid flushes every two years regardless of model.
As long as the fluid is clean,use it.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture,but it will be an improvement over old fluid any day.
Use it up.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture,but it will be an improvement over old fluid any day.
Use it up.
brake fluid will darken as it absorbs moisture - so if it is still near clear, (which it should be) you are good to go. if it is caramel in color, toss it.
Sealed? Use it.
Originally Posted By: stuntboy79
BMW recommends brake fluid flushes every two years regardless of model.
BMW does, But my BMW dealer doesn't
BMW recommends brake fluid flushes every two years regardless of model.
BMW does, But my BMW dealer doesn't
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I don't recall this procedure in my 1978 BMW manual. I may just now be in some US manuals.
As was said, most fluids were exchanged partially ever 2 years with routine brake service.
I'd have no reservations about using the stuff.
As was said, most fluids were exchanged partially ever 2 years with routine brake service.
I'd have no reservations about using the stuff.
Changing brake fluid every two years is a bit extreme. Every five years is a more reasonable time frame. Keep in mind most people will never change it ever...
I always thought it was recommended practice to change brake fluid every 2 years. I remember my HS Auto Mechanics teacher preaching it 16 years ago. Until I discovered Speed Bleeders, I use to head to the local brake shop for a full fluid flush for $19.99. It would take them less than 15 minutes with no appointment needed. For $20, its nice knowing there was new fluid in there, but like said above, some people NEVER change brake fluid for the life of the car. Brake fluid and power steering fluid are fluids that most people dont think they ever need servicing.
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Originally Posted By: stuntboy79
BMW recommends brake fluid flushes every two years regardless of model.
BMW does, But my BMW dealer doesn't
Dear lord. Do you think your dealer knows more about it than the factory? Common sense will tell you that you should flush the brakes (any every other fluid) more often than that. Of course, I suppose you're alive and the car is working, so maybe it is a big conspiracy to keep us buying brake fluid.
robert
Originally Posted By: stuntboy79
BMW recommends brake fluid flushes every two years regardless of model.
BMW does, But my BMW dealer doesn't
Dear lord. Do you think your dealer knows more about it than the factory? Common sense will tell you that you should flush the brakes (any every other fluid) more often than that. Of course, I suppose you're alive and the car is working, so maybe it is a big conspiracy to keep us buying brake fluid.
robert
Many manufacturers do not have any recommendation for flushing brake fluid. I have replaced many rusted brake lines over the years and they rust from the outside due to salt and water. The inside is generally clean and rust free.
It will do no harm to flush it of course
It will do no harm to flush it of course
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Originally Posted By: robertcope
Dear lord. Do you think your dealer knows more about it than the factory? Common sense will tell you that you should flush the brakes (any every other fluid) more often than that. Of course, I suppose you're alive and the car is working, so maybe it is a big conspiracy to keep us buying brake fluid.
robert
Dealer lives in the real world with real customers.
Dear lord. Do you think your dealer knows more about it than the factory? Common sense will tell you that you should flush the brakes (any every other fluid) more often than that. Of course, I suppose you're alive and the car is working, so maybe it is a big conspiracy to keep us buying brake fluid.
robert
Dealer lives in the real world with real customers.
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Kestas
Staff member
For all effective purposes, most manufacturers use the same design, same materials, and same brake fluid. Some manufacturers recommend a flush every two years. Some have no recommendation. What can you conclude from this?
Originally Posted By: Kestas
For all effective purposes, most manufacturers use the same design, same materials, and same brake fluid. Some manufacturers recommend a flush every two years. Some have no recommendation. What can you conclude from this?
It seems imported vehicles are the one recommending the fluid be flushed. I have not seen one domestic maker recommend this, but that was a few years back and it may have changed. It may have something to do with the different markets and areas (hot moist) when they are sold.
Or, it could be CYA for liability reasons. Oh, your brake line rusted and your brakes failed, did you change the brake fluid every two years as recommended? Too bad then, no money for you!
For all effective purposes, most manufacturers use the same design, same materials, and same brake fluid. Some manufacturers recommend a flush every two years. Some have no recommendation. What can you conclude from this?
It seems imported vehicles are the one recommending the fluid be flushed. I have not seen one domestic maker recommend this, but that was a few years back and it may have changed. It may have something to do with the different markets and areas (hot moist) when they are sold.
Or, it could be CYA for liability reasons. Oh, your brake line rusted and your brakes failed, did you change the brake fluid every two years as recommended? Too bad then, no money for you!
I work at a Mini/BMW dealer and it is should be flushed every 2 years as per Mini/BMW. And it is covered by the free scheduled maintenance. A long time ago I worked at a domestic dealer and they would never change brake fluid,but I also replaced a lot more calipers and wheel cylinders.
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