Anyone Use Brake Fluid Test Strips? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 05-14-2011, 09:44 AM

I'd be glad to test my brake fluid from time to time using test strips (I know that's what my indie uses) rather than simply adhering to some strict replacement interval. Does anyone use these and have any comments on their reliability? I've seen them in packs of 100 or so. I wouldn't do that, but I could see buying five or ten.

Thanks.

layback40 · #2 05-14-2011, 10:10 AM

Tell me if I am wrong, those strips test for moisture only in the fluid.
The fluid that is down by the brakes does not get a chance to mix well with the fluid up in the reservoir.
Its well worth just bleeding $5 worth of fluid through once every year or 2.
Fluid in the calipers is subject to very high temps & will in time decompose. The inhibitors/additives will also be depleted in time in the calipers because of the heat.

smiffy6four · #3 05-14-2011, 10:18 AM

Has anyone tried this stuff? Or similar?

http://www.synlube.com/brake.htm

Stretch · #4 05-14-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

Tell me if I am wrong, those strips test for moisture only in the fluid.
The fluid that is down by the brakes does not get a chance to mix well with the fluid up in the reservoir.
Its well worth just bleeding $5 worth of fluid through once every year or 2.
Fluid in the calipers is subject to very high temps & will in time decompose. The inhibitors/additives will also be depleted in time in the calipers because of the heat.

X2

Very true the stuff at the bottom is often the grottiest - push a little bit out and you'll also discourage corrosion / stuck bleed nipples...

...also just getting under your car once in a while and having a good look round is an important part of regular maintenance.

Stretch · #5 05-14-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiffy6four

Has anyone tried this stuff? Or similar?

http://www.synlube.com/brake.htm

I've not tried that but I plumped up the extra cash (as it was on special offer) for the official ATE brake fluid which is also blue... it might be similar... I don't know as I haven't used it yet.

Diesel911 · #6 05-14-2011, 11:43 AM

Thanks for the info. I had not read about test strips for Brake Fluid before.

DeliveryValve · #7 05-14-2011, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

Thanks for the info. I had not read about test strips for Brake Fluid before.

x2, Thanks one more time!

.

EDBSO · #8 05-14-2011, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

I've not tried that but I plumped up the extra cash (as it was on special offer) for the official ATE brake fluid which is also blue... it might be similar... I don't know as I haven't used it yet.

ATE Super Blue is an incredible brake fluid and yes it is blue.

ATE Super Blue Racing Brake Fluid and ATE TYP 200 Amber Brake Fluid have identical specifications only the fluid color is different It makes it easy to know when the old fluid is completely flushed out of the system. Switch color every flush.

The dealer will see the blue brake fluid and try to tell you it is old, discolored and has to be replaced, just tell him it is ATE Super Blue and get the $$$$$ out of his eyes.

JHZR2 · #9 05-14-2011, 09:14 PM

Yeah just flush some out...

vstech · #10 05-14-2011, 09:55 PM

My SD just failed a safety inspection because of the brake hoses. they had cracks in the ridges of the hoses... I had a full set on hand, and swapped them thursday night. decided to flush the fluid at the same time, it's been in there about 3 years. nice and clean fluid came out. tested all the pistons while in there, pushed them back and forth and flushed out the fluid. rotors all shiny and smooth, no lip. pads all still quite thick.
I had some gunk in one of the bleeders, I think I'll replace them all next service. gotta get some booties for them too...

whunter · #11 05-14-2011, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

I'd be glad to test my brake fluid from time to time using test strips (I know that's what my indie uses) rather than simply adhering to some strict replacement interval. Does anyone use these and have any comments on their reliability? I've seen them in packs of 100 or so. I wouldn't do that, but I could see buying five or ten.

Thanks.

They are a waste of money.
If you follow the MB spec, there is zero need for testing.

.

leathermang · #12 05-14-2011, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

X2

Very true the stuff at the bottom is often the grottiest - push a little bit out and you'll also discourage corrosion / stuck bleed nipples...

...also just getting under your car once in a while and having a good look round is an important part of regular maintenance.

X3 for Layback's quote, X 2 for Army's.
Sometimes physical movement and removal deals with the stuff which ' high tech' ( strips, type of fluid , etc ) just can not affect. And actually looking around --- can provide priceless information which can save your life.

compu_85 · #13 05-15-2011, 01:59 AM

Ya, it's like having a burnt out light bulb meter. Does provide interesting information... but do you really need it?

I wonder what the delta of moisture contamination is between the stuff in the caliper and the stuff in the master.

-J

layback40 · #14 05-15-2011, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

My SD just failed a safety inspection because of the brake hoses. they had cracks in the ridges of the hoses... I had a full set on hand, and swapped them thursday night. decided to flush the fluid at the same time, it's been in there about 3 years. nice and clean fluid came out. tested all the pistons while in there, pushed them back and forth and flushed out the fluid. rotors all shiny and smooth, no lip. pads all still quite thick.
I had some gunk in one of the bleeders, I think I'll replace them all next service. gotta get some booties for them too...

Best you keep all those nipples covered John !!!!

Sorry I couldnt resist that !! you left yourself so open !!