I have a 32 oz plasic bottle of Castrol LMA brake fluid that I bought 3 1/2 years ago intending to flush the brake system on my BMW. I have not yet found the time for this job, and wondered if this fluid will still be good? The container is sealed, but I have heard that it will absorb moisture through the plastic.
How long a shelf life for Brake fluid?
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I'd use it. We go through a lot in the shop so it won't happen there, but if I had an unopened bottle at home like that, I'd use it without thinking about it again.
I doubt that very much if any moisture gets through the bottle. Maybe some 02 diffusion, but H20 doesn't seem likely.
I would email Castrol. If in doubt, throw it out.
I would email Castrol. If in doubt, throw it out.
I actaully did ask Castrol in 2006 about oil and got this reply:
"There is no shelf life for Castrol oil, however we would suggest that for
maximum protection and performance, the product be used within 5 years of
the date of manufacture. Regardless of the storage conditions, moisture can
get into the product via osmosis through the plastic.
You can determine the date of manufacture by locating the fill code on the
bottom of the back panel. It is composed of a series of letters and
numbers, with the first five characters being the most important.
For example, if you have C04001...., the "C" would represent the plant
location. The five digits '04001' represents the date of production. The
numbers 04 represent the last digits of the year (2004) and the '001'
represents the day of the year, based on 365 calendar days, on which it was
produced (January 1).
For C9001 '9001' represents the date of production. The number 9 represents
the last digit of the year (1999) and '001' represents the day of the year,
based on 365 calendar days, on which it was produced (January 1)."
So, I would assume the brake fluid will get moisture even worse than oil but never asked them. I think I will send in an email, and I will let you know the replt.
"There is no shelf life for Castrol oil, however we would suggest that for
maximum protection and performance, the product be used within 5 years of
the date of manufacture. Regardless of the storage conditions, moisture can
get into the product via osmosis through the plastic.
You can determine the date of manufacture by locating the fill code on the
bottom of the back panel. It is composed of a series of letters and
numbers, with the first five characters being the most important.
For example, if you have C04001...., the "C" would represent the plant
location. The five digits '04001' represents the date of production. The
numbers 04 represent the last digits of the year (2004) and the '001'
represents the day of the year, based on 365 calendar days, on which it was
produced (January 1).
For C9001 '9001' represents the date of production. The number 9 represents
the last digit of the year (1999) and '001' represents the day of the year,
based on 365 calendar days, on which it was produced (January 1)."
So, I would assume the brake fluid will get moisture even worse than oil but never asked them. I think I will send in an email, and I will let you know the replt.
Received today: Thank you for contacting Castrol,
There is no shelf life for Castrol GT LMA, however we would suggest that for maximum protection and performance, the product be used within 2 years of the date of manufacture. Regardless of the storage conditions, moisture can get into the product via osmosis thru the plastic. No partially filled bottles should ever be used - once open, use or discard.
Thank you again for your interest in Castrol, The Technology Leader!
Castrol Consumer Relations
There is no shelf life for Castrol GT LMA, however we would suggest that for maximum protection and performance, the product be used within 2 years of the date of manufacture. Regardless of the storage conditions, moisture can get into the product via osmosis thru the plastic. No partially filled bottles should ever be used - once open, use or discard.
Thank you again for your interest in Castrol, The Technology Leader!
Castrol Consumer Relations
Good answer - brake fluid is hygroscopic enough for osmosis! Through the (PE?) bottle. They should put it in metal or glass.....which of course have their own weaknesses.
Yes, it shoud be in a metal container, but that would cost too much. I guess thet assume that nost people use the stuff within two years. (I just bought some Pentosin 7.1 and it came in a metal container.)
If shelf life peaks at 2 years, I assume that it slowly degrades after that. In which case it is still probabley better than the factory fill brake fluid that has been in the car for 16 years..
If shelf life peaks at 2 years, I assume that it slowly degrades after that. In which case it is still probabley better than the factory fill brake fluid that has been in the car for 16 years..
Bluestream, thanks for the effort. Sounds like a good rule of thumb to use. This is the same thing I have been saying on this board for the last few years. The plastic of the bottle, as well as the brake fluid reservoir, the rubber hoses, etc. are all permeable. Yes, the cans are better but more expensive. If you change your brake fluid once a year, it might cost you an extra $5 per year.
Bluestream,
16 yr old brake fluid? How often does your BMW owner's manual recommend you change it? Every 3 yrs?
16 yr old brake fluid? How often does your BMW owner's manual recommend you change it? Every 3 yrs?
Owners manual recomends every two years. I know it needs to be done. The dealer told me they just bleed some out when ever they do a brake job, but I don't think that's what BMW wants.
I was a little concern about flushing with an ABS system, as I have not done one before.
I was a little concern about flushing with an ABS system, as I have not done one before.
I'm sure some BMW forum would have some tips/tricks on bleeding your particular system. My Ford Escape has ABS and I bleed the brakes the old fashioned way - have some one pump the pedal while I work the bleed valves - works like a charm though I didn't know it that method would work until I tried it.
I also prefer and use DOT 4 (Prestone or Valvoline, which ever is on sale).
I also prefer and use DOT 4 (Prestone or Valvoline, which ever is on sale).
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