How often for PS and brake fluid flushed?

[97tbird]

How often should one change PS fluid? I haven't got it changed in about 25k miles in my Tbird...is it time? (no complaints - it steers fine, and no noises)

and what about brake fluid replacement/flush? I think the last time i got that done was when i got the rotors replaced, probably about 40k miles ago.

 

[Quattro Pete]

In my case, BMW recommends to have the brake fluid changed once every 2 years. Not sure on the PS fluid.

 

[Kestas]

I do 30K flushes on PS fluid. This may be overkill.

Brake fluid is recommended to do every 2 years of 40K, whichever comes first.

 

[lexus114]

Some Mercedes-Benz vehicles also have a power steering filter that needs to be changed.

 

[nfs480]

Most manufacturers don't have a specific interval on PS, I use a turkey baster and change what's in the reservoir once a year (usually only takes a bottle) and that way I avoid seals drying out and leaking.

 

[John_K]

Originally Posted By: nfs480
Most manufacturers don't have a specific interval on PS, I use a turkey baster and change what's in the reservoir once a year (usually only takes a bottle) and that way I avoid seals drying out and leaking.


Actually, I've found an old sprayer from a spray bottle works better. Stick it in and start pumping into an old brake fluid container (or similar).

John

 

[Familyguy]

Originally Posted By: John_K
Originally Posted By: nfs480
Most manufacturers don't have a specific interval on PS, I use a turkey baster and change what's in the reservoir once a year (usually only takes a bottle) and that way I avoid seals drying out and leaking.


Actually, I've found an old sprayer from a spray bottle works better. Stick it in and start pumping into an old brake fluid container (or similar).

John


Or just remove the return line from the PS reservoir and direct that into a bucket. Start the car and in about 3-4 seconds the power steering pump will pump all of the old fluid into the bucket for you. Shut her down, replace the return line and refill. I generally do this, then drive it around for a little while, then do it again to get the most crud out that I can.

 

[TLMjared]

I change p/s and brake at least every 30,000. if i had to do a major brake repair I'd flush my brakes at that time also.

 

[97tbird]

Thanks for the comments...
Looks like i am due for both.

Every time i get the PS fluid changed I also add this:

 

[GMFan]

Where do you bring the old power steering fluid? Can you bring it to a place like AAP?

 

[qship1996]

Throw it in the trash- no more harmful than throwing out old salad dressing.

 

[exranger06]

Originally Posted By: qship1996
Throw it in the trash- no more harmful than throwing out old salad dressing.


Sure hope you're kidding.

Just mix it with your used motor oil.

 

[Patman]

I've still got the original power steering fluid and brake fluid in my Corvette, 12 years old with 113,000 miles on it. I'll get around to it sooner or later

 

[labman]

I would skip the brake flush and rebuild/replace the calipers next pad change. The rubber in the seals and boots are getting old and worn. Once you do that, there won't be much old fluid left.

 

[crinkles]

Originally Posted By: exranger06
Originally Posted By: qship1996
Throw it in the trash- no more harmful than throwing out old salad dressing.


Sure hope you're kidding.

Just mix it with your used motor oil.


+1

toyota australia is generally 2 years or 20000 miles on brake fluid with no PS maintenance. I would prob do my PS drain and fill once every 20,000 miles... severe overkill though. I may just leave it from now on as it has amsoil in it.

 

[steve20]

"""Actually, I've found an old sprayer from a spray bottle works better. Stick it in and start pumping into an old brake fluid container (or similar)."""

Brilliance---thanks John



Steve

 

[mechtech2]

Turkey baster PS flushes are so easy .
I'd do it once a year. Repeat the process a number of times after starting and making the pump work, of course.

Brake fluid? 2-3 years on a new car, then 2 years after that.
A real flush is best. I like the one man vacuum bleeder type.
Almost painless.

Gm now recommends something like 6-7 years on brake fluid.
Partly because water contamination is over rated.
To me, it is not worth taking a chance going this long. I like to clean out debris and get new fluid in there for component life.

 

[Kestas]

These recommendations should be followed by the DIYer. I'm not so sure I'd recommend these service such as a 30K PS flush to people that have to pay for the service.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
These recommendations should be followed by the DIYer. I'm not so sure I'd recommend these service such as a 30K PS flush to people that have to pay for the service.


I think 5 years/60k miles for power steering, transmission, differential and coolant flushes and 3-4 years brake flush is reasonable for both DIYers and paying drivers.

 

[mechtech2]

Kestas - Very good point.