Here is a link to help you understand why it is needed.

http://www.tandmautomotive.com/1/info/brake_fluid.html

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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

because brake fluid readily absorbs water, and then corrosion can start inside the brake system. It leads to failed master cylinders and calipers, and isn't good for the brake lines either.

Joe

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1978 300SD
Running Biodiesel/SVO, 2 tank system
127,000 Miles

And lowers the boiling point, so that in a real emergency stop, you could lose your brakes.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Yeah, and its nice to see yellow fluid in the reservoir, not molasses..... RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Not a well written article. When I read things like "brake fluid is hygrosconic" and has a "magnetic attraction for moisture" I get turned off. Here's an article that goes (perhaps a little too much) in depth on this subject:

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf50412.htm

The above article points out that water is only partly to blame for brake fluid deterioration. It uncovers some surprising phenomena that'll scare anyone into changing their brake fluid on a regular basis.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

Why not do it? It costs $5 and takes 1/2 an hour.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I never heard of the test strips used to measure the copper content of brake fluid - that's cool.

Now I feel really good about having my SD's brake fluid changed the other week.

what about senthetic fluid have there been any test of it

There have been tests, only a few are public data.
I don't have time to search for them.

Flush the system while you can.
I hate doing brakes in the snow...

Some of the new people should read this thread.

I'm reading. I'm reading . . .

__________________
Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.