PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Why should I flush my brake fluid every year, you ask?

240 Ed · #27 11-02-2002, 04:24 AM

Peter;

There is a bit of irony here.
I first heard about changing brake fluid once a year from a woman Mercedes owner who had just had her car serviced at the dealer. I looked at her bill and there it was, "changed brake fluid" on the bill. I thought she had been ripped off, and was a bit pissed! on her behalf of course...
That started a line of inquiry about brake fluid and I learned quite a lot about it.

I agree with you that none of the older american cars or mechanics ever suggested changing brake fluid. Turns out they were wrong. what usually happens is that the master cylinder "goes out"-it's replaced and bled and everything is okay again. It goes out because of the water contamination! Properly maintained and flushed, you actually shouldn't ever have a problem with brakes.

Richard;

You live in a very humid climate and your fluid will get dark rather more quickly than someone in Arizona.

Silicone brake fluid. DOT 5
Standard equipment on Porsches I think.

I have heard of reports from people who have switched to silicone fluid that they experience a softer pedal, and prefer the DOT 5.1. I believe that this is standard equipment on Audi and Jaguar.
I think Jaguar and Lucas were leaders in this fluid and that Jaguar insisted on this fluid in their equipment saying that their seals were incompatible with DOT 3 and 4.

PLEASE DO NOT BUY DOT 3 !! just because it is cheaper...
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 is compatible and should be used.