When to change brake fluid?
- Thread starter Ken4
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Having seen people make the mistake of "upgrading" fluid, just a quick warning: Unless you've researched the issues and have good reason, stick with the same DOT level as specified in your owners manual.
Avoid DOT 5. It's silicon based and isn't compatible with 3 or 4. Requires a system rebuild to switch. It also won't absorb water, so any water entering the system will pool and cause corrosion. This is one of those long-term problems that will sabotage cylinders & ABS components.
DOT 5.1 is more recent. I haven't used it. From what I understand it's a high-temp version of 3/4 and not silicon based. It absorbs water and eats paint like 3 & 4, but has a higher boiling point.
Any gurus know more about the numbering scheme? (higher = higher boiling point) DOT 5.1 seems a very poor choice of designations.
David
Avoid DOT 5. It's silicon based and isn't compatible with 3 or 4. Requires a system rebuild to switch. It also won't absorb water, so any water entering the system will pool and cause corrosion. This is one of those long-term problems that will sabotage cylinders & ABS components.
DOT 5.1 is more recent. I haven't used it. From what I understand it's a high-temp version of 3/4 and not silicon based. It absorbs water and eats paint like 3 & 4, but has a higher boiling point.
Any gurus know more about the numbering scheme? (higher = higher boiling point) DOT 5.1 seems a very poor choice of designations.
David
Every 12mths like older service manuals used to state. If a very wet/humid are more often as brake fluid is hygroscopic (loves H2O). Cheap insurance for master cylinder & brake cylinders re rust.
Well, other then what is done when the brakes are replaced I have never changed the fluid in 147,000 miles on the Camry.
Hmmmm?
Hmmmm?
I started doing this every year after I had to replace the calipers on my Pathfinder a while back. The fluid that comes out the caliper is pretty dark and nasty looking, so that's enough to convince me. I use a pressure bleeder (motive) and it's very easy to do. For the clutch I just crack the bleeder and pump all the fluid out and then add fresh fluid.
On the VW, it's specifically listed in the manual to change every two years. I picked up the adpater for the pressure bleeder, so it should more than pay for itself after one flush. The dealer gets like $75 to do this
On the VW, it's specifically listed in the manual to change every two years. I picked up the adpater for the pressure bleeder, so it should more than pay for itself after one flush. The dealer gets like $75 to do this
I also never replaced fluid unless changing breaks. And then I would bleed till I got clear liquid. I would then bleed the other two wheels.I have never noticed any degredation in performance. Changing is probably not necessary but in my newest Nissan Sentra I have decided to go all out with fluid changes on a regular basis. At two years I have changed them all, including the brakes. Its probably good insurance as was mentioned-so I'll do it from now on.
Ken4
re diff oil a friend owns a differential and auto trans repair shop. Stated that if people changed diff oil say every 40kkms he would go out of business. It really does need changing!
re diff oil a friend owns a differential and auto trans repair shop. Stated that if people changed diff oil say every 40kkms he would go out of business. It really does need changing!
Wow! What year is your camry?
I noticed my brake pads in my almost 3 year old camry are still nice & thick, and brake fluid level is still within the high & low mark. And never opened up the reservoir either. As for the color, it's still the same yellowish color when seen from the outside of the reservoir, same color as when the camry was new. I do not have any brake problems. I live in a country which has a tropical & humid climate. Are you all sure I still need to change my brake fluid??
[ September 09, 2002, 10:18 PM: Message edited by: Ken4 ]
Ken4
Singapore, nice place. You sure do need to change it and don't forget the clutch fluid too. You can't see the water but ask any brake repair shop. Non replacement of brake fluid keeps 'em in business! In Oz I get full inspection and brake/clutch fluid change for A$36 done anually. Very dry here or else I'd do 6 monthly. A lot cheaper than rusted master or wheel cylinder replacement.
Singapore, nice place. You sure do need to change it and don't forget the clutch fluid too. You can't see the water but ask any brake repair shop. Non replacement of brake fluid keeps 'em in business! In Oz I get full inspection and brake/clutch fluid change for A$36 done anually. Very dry here or else I'd do 6 monthly. A lot cheaper than rusted master or wheel cylinder replacement.
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