Brake Fluid Flush Poll - How often do you do it?
 

As the title states: How often do you flush your brake fluid?

I for reference try to do it once a year on my 87 190D but sometimes I end up going closer to 2 years.

I use a mighty vac to get it out of the resivoir and then use a pressure bleeder to drive it through, I used MB dot 4 plus (cuz I had it - not because I always need MB fluid).

Beyond the poll, I welcome any post about fluid/method/whatever.

I do it every 2-3 years with Valvoline DOT4 synthetic. Sometimes I will buy ATE Dot4 online if I happen to be making an order. They are interchangeable and I notice no performance difference between them.

I have a motiv power bleeder, works very well.

No poll option for "Never / as when and if needed"

I've used the Valvoline before in other vehicles with great results, it actually seems to stay clearer for longer. I just happend to have the MB stuff this time but I must say, the Valvoline Syn-power dot 3+4 or whatever its called is impressive in terms of appearance and how long it stays clear.

I too like the motiv, or at least motiv style I use, the label is long gone.

Never is in the 4th option and requires explaining ;).

This is more of a PM question not a caliper/master/wheel cylinder replacement issue as obviously the system would need flushing then.

Mercedes says the older pre 1992 cars need the fluid flushed every year. I do all of mine ever 2, or as needed with component replacement. From my owner's manual:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1287413495

When I did the fluid on my sister's grand prix (which was 6 years old at the time? the fluid was original.) the fluid that came out was black, and the brakes felt much better afterwords. And GM says it's a lifetime fluid :rolleyes:

-J

I try to do mine each year, sometimes things slip by a little. I use the Motive power flusher and works good, and has the cap that screws right on the MB resevor.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture and that will attack the the MC and other components. flushing the system will extend the life of the braking system and cut down on problems.

I always make sure the system is flushed before a GTG :rolleyes: :D.

If your fluid looks like coffee or mud, time to flush. should be clear like coming out of the bottle.

Sure GM has a life time brake fluid, probably last as long as some of their cars ;).

Make sure to check the hoses on your power bleeder before using it. I had a sprinkler of brake fluid in top of the engine when I did mine last. I was under the rear bleeding a caliper, and the pressure dropped :confused:.
so went back to pump it up some, and was confronted with brake fluid spraying all over :mad:. hose cracked where it is clamped onto the body of sprayer.

Charlie

I've only ever personally changed brake fluid once in any of the vehicles I've owned. oops! :rolleyes: Had it done a couple of times most likely on a few brake jobs done at a shop, but I've also only had to replace one caliper ever, mostly due to torching bolts on that tired old wreck...

Well, now that I constructed a pressure bleeder out of a junkyard cap and a garden sprayer I'm gonna do it every year! Yeah!

Kurt:D

on the later cars, MB says every 2 years. so i do all my cars every 2 years, except the chevelle which has dot5 in it.

Yes, they lengthened the interval to 2 years due to changes in the material the soft lines are made of.

-J

I do every 2 - 2.5 years. I have the motive power bleeder too.

I alternate between the ATE Super Blue, and the Dot 4 amber fluid.

Brake fluid is often neglected on most vehicles. Accelerated wear/oxidation of brake system components is directly connected to lack of regular fluid change.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic (water loving)
some info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_fluid

because of this, it is important to change it regularly. Water will destroy the hydraulic system.

Sadly not all mechanics or service providers will insist upon brake flush. Think about it. After the system fails, there is more money to be made replacing major components.

I will have to face the flames on this one.

Since 1968 I have never on purpose bled all of the Brake Fluid out of my system on any of my cars.
I have on occasions bled the Brake Fluid until the color cleared up.

I have never done or met anyone who has completely drained there brake system and flushed their system out with Denatured Alcohol and replaced the Fluid.

I just use regular Brake Fluid; the same as used on all of my Cars.

I cannot say my method or lack of method has had any bad effect.

I do take look at my Rotors and pads when I rotate Tires and do not wait until the pads are worn to their min thickness to change them.

A friend worked at a Belle Tire. For about a year they really pushed brake fluid services. But, remember in Michigan everything rusts, including brake bleeder valves. So when you tell the customer their bleeder valve snapped off and they need a new caliper they won't be happy! The service was quietly dropped.

Changing the fluid on time means it's much less likely the bleeders will rust in place!

-J