Flushing brakes

37chief · Mar 4, 2017

Is it really necessary to flush the brake system. It looks like another easy money grab for the garages. I have never done it my self. Has anyone done this? Stan

Bob Harvey · Mar 4, 2017

I have had my local guy flush both vehicles. Brake fluid does go bad over time. Some of the juice that came out of my wife's Malibu was pretty nasty looking, definitely not any form of clear. The PU was OK, but I was having everything (engine, trans etc.) changed to Synthetic, and it was good ,but not perfect.

jeffcat · Mar 4, 2017

Lot of people go several years. Brake fluid does slowly absorb water. Can make the stuff stale.

jeremy in NE · Mar 4, 2017

I have never done it. On the older vehicles I never had an issue. The newer vehicles seem to do it on their own with the poor quality lines they use.

coshoo · Mar 4, 2017

I have a pressure bleeding system- put the thing on the top of the master cylinder, put a bunch of brake fluid in, and pressurize it- then bleed, but don't just open the screw until you get no bubbles, leave it open until the dark fluid is gone and you're into the new, clear stuff. Repeat on all 4 wheels, and you've not only bled the brakes, but you've put new fluid into the whole system.

Gambles · Mar 4, 2017

I believe it should be done every few years, but I will admit I don't do it that often. If the fluid is really bad, flushing the system can cause the junk in the lowest part of the steel lines be pumped into the wheel cylinders. However, if the fluid is that bad, chances are you need new wheel cylinders or at least new wheel cylinder kits anyway.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 4, 2017

I had a goldwing that the rear brake caliper locked up. The brake fluid turned to a jell. Another guy has his clutch do the same thing on his motorcycle. I'm not sure what type of brake fluid motorcycles use. I'm thinking it was a high temp fluid, dot 4, but not sure.

So yes, brake fluid does need to be changed, it can turn to jell.

I use a grease gun like suction gun and just suck the brake fluid out of the master cylinder. I figure if I replace 50% each time, after 5 or 6 times, most of the brake fluid will be replaces.

That's cheaper than paying someone to change mine. I'm always concerned each time I try to bleed brakes. My luck I twist off the bleeder valve.

jimg.allentown · Mar 4, 2017

Well, I have 3 cars. I have a 1993 Ford Taurus, a 2000 Ford Explorer, and a 1954 Packard. None of them have ever been flushed. No brake problems as a result.
The Packard did have some problems with the wheel cylinders which were replaced and brakes bled. I also replaced most of the front-to-rear brake lines on the Taurus. Again, bled brakes and had no further problems.
In my experience, I have never had to flush brakes. As far as I know, that is not a recommended service called out by the manufacturer.

Hobo,NC · Mar 4, 2017

Its never been a domestic maintenance item euro manufacturers push it on there maintenance schedule.

The good
It does improve pedal feel

It does help remove water that has been absorbed in the system.
Lots of aluminum used in the system that reacts to water it may prolong its life.

The bad
It does not completely leave a clean system if a reaction to water has happen it will still suffer from its affects.

I flush at 30/60/120 miles are anytime brake work is preformed its mandatory are haul you chit somewhere else I don't have time for cheap arses. I use BG Ultra dry flushing fluid dot 4 is it better I dunno but if I use it I have a lifetime warranty on my flushing machine 8)

My take YES it improves brake function...

504 · Mar 4, 2017

And that bottle of brake fluid you have had on the shelf for 5 years, is full of water too.

Hobo,NC · Mar 4, 2017

(quoted from post at 09:58:41 03/05/17) And that bottle of brake fluid you have had on the shelf for 5 years, is full of water too.

If you are a cheap arse and don't take any pride in your work use that bottle... Its no more contaminated than the fluid that's already in your system

mite-help · Mar 4, 2017

I don't know.

fixerupper · Mar 5, 2017

I was told anti-lock brake sensors don't like waterlogged brake fluid.

Gary Mitchell · Mar 5, 2017

My 02 F150 has 284,000 miles on it and going, (stopping too), strong. This is the first time I've ever seen this discussed and I never heard of it before. gm

Aaron Ford · Mar 5, 2017

I change mine when it starts to become discolored. I have heard it goes acidic and starts damaging lines/seals/hoses. The 1971 Cougar I just picked up had the nastiest brake fluid you ever saw in it. The wheel cylinders and calipers were both seized/ruined. The master cylinder turned out to be okay. Not sure if it had anything to do with the brown/black fluid or not. I use the one man brake bleeder (3.99) kit to collect the old as it comes out. I also use fresh fluid when I can as it can become water logged.

Aaron

Hobo,NC · Mar 5, 2017

(quoted from post at 22:51:13 03/05/17) My 02 F150 has 284,000 miles on it and going, (stopping too), strong. This is the first time I've ever seen this discussed and I never heard of it before. gm

http://changebrakefluid.blogspot.com/p/brake-lines.html

are google

copper and brake fluid

http://www.aa1car.com/library/bfluid.htm

jimg.allentown · Mar 5, 2017

The anti-lock brake sensors never contact brake fluid. They are completely external to the hydraulic portion of the braking system.
You were told wrong.

Flushing brakes

37chief

Well-known Member

Bob Harvey

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jeffcat

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jeremy in NE

Member

coshoo

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Gambles

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Geo-TH,In

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jimg.allentown

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Hobo,NC

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504

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Hobo,NC

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mite-help

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fixerupper

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Gary Mitchell

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Aaron Ford

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Hobo,NC

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jimg.allentown

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