Originally Posted by supton
I don't see the correlation between brake fluid changes and system lifespan--I've done fluid changes every 2-3 years and still had calipers go bad. I still do it, if nothing else to keep the bleeders free. But I no longer think it quite the necessity it was. Calipers still go bad--maybe fluid changes are good for the lines, but I'm not convinced any more about it lengthening caliper lifespan.
I've had the pedal go to the floor. Pads still had 3/4 of the lining, but rust got behind a pad and it came off one day. I forget, must have been 6 years old, something like 175k, but the other 3 pads were still at 3/4 the lining--so why would I change them? Today, after 2 or 3 years I inspect the pads annually, looking for rust jacking; 5 years or 100k is about the max I push now, there's something to condemn them at that point. No brakes is no fun.
These pads have certainly seized a couple of times, but I don't recall ever having a dragging brake--no hot brake smell. Just the sense the brakes aren't right. Sure enough, I'll find the works seized up. I'm starting to think this design is somehow deficient, it's been needing the most attention of any brake system I've owned.
I am hesitant to remove these calipers--they have a hard line behind them, and I'm hesitant to twist that off in the driveway. I've done conventional calipers, those I feel comfortable with, but these give me pause. I'm sure this would be a grand at a shop.
A healthy diet and exercise certainly doesn't preclude one from falling ill, but they do lessen the risk of it and are considered good practices. I didn't mean to single you out in the respect, especially since you say you do perform that maintenance, but there is a certain level of denial present that I just find confounding in a place dedicated to best practices…at least for certain parts of the vehicle.
It seems that you're aware that the harsh operating conditions your vehicles see qualify as severe duty and warrant extra vigilance. But there also seems to be an element of rationalization that despite those circumstances, you expect the components to maintain, or perform according to more normal circumstances, and most feel that may not be the best approach. That is, of course, your prerogative ("Live Free or Die" right?), but you are taking chances by not being completely proactive and keeping a vital safety system in the best condition possible.
No one looks forward to a future "I crashed my truck" thread, and the fact that you've asked showed you have doubts or concerns as well. Those you've asked have advised you to follow through and take action.