Brake fluid flush

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Dec 7, 2014 | 01:08 PM

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Brake fluid flush

I posted this earlier on the brake forum, but so far no responses (I guess cuz it is Sunday and things are slow).

I suspect the brake fluid in my 02 is original and I thought it might be wise to change it (62,000 actual miles), but in going through the owners manual and recommended service intervals, I can find no mention of brake fluid flushes.

The brakes are fine, but since I tow with the truck I like to err on the safe side. Any thoughts about this?

Also, since I have an abs system, do I have to do anything differently?

Thanks,

Steve

Dec 7, 2014 | 05:29 PM

takotruckin

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From: Fresno, CA

Brake fluid should be changed every 2-3 years, as it absorbs moisture over time. Nothing different with the ABS. Just suck the reservoir dry (vacula or turkey baster), fill it with new fluid and then bleed the brakes. Our trucks use about a quart, maybe a touch more to make sure all the fluid is new.

Dec 7, 2014 | 06:04 PM

Stewart_H

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From: Central Coast of CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV_Tech

Also, since I have an abs system, do I have to do anything differently?

Steve, go to the Excursion forum and click on the tech folder sticky thread (I really need to finish upgrading the one here in the 7.3L forum) and scroll down to the section covering brakes and brake bleeding.

You'll find a very good thread there on how to bleed the brakes, and when ABS affects how you bleed the brakes.

Stewart

Dec 7, 2014 | 06:06 PM

Franko72

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From: Alaska

I bled all four corners a while back and the fluid was black.
Glad I did it. IIRC I used at least one large bottle of brake fluid.

Dec 7, 2014 | 06:12 PM

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Thanks all for the responses. I was surprised not to find anything in the scheduled maintenance.

Steve

Dec 7, 2014 | 06:20 PM

RV_Tech

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewart_H

Good how-to, I bookmarked it.

Thanks,

Steve

Dec 7, 2014 | 08:01 PM

MSP-F250

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From: Traverse City, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewart_H

Damn! I've got so many things saved for the future, I need an index!!

Thanks for the link. This isn't me yet, but probably not long ...

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Dec 8, 2014 | 09:11 AM

BadDogKuzz

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From: Gary,Indiana

OOppsss Double post.

Dec 8, 2014 | 09:14 AM

#10

BadDogKuzz

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From: Gary,Indiana

Steve you might already know this but I would inspect the brake line that runs from front to rear along the frame rail for rust. Mine wasn't leaking yet but there was enough rust back by the fuel tank that I replaced the line. Also I used Valvoline Syn Dot 3 & 4 to help combat the moisture issue of Dot3.
Valvoline.com > Products > Brake Fluids > DOT 4 Brake Fluid > Valvoline® DOT 3 & 4 Brake Fluid

Dec 8, 2014 | 10:18 AM

#11

cj45lc

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From: Delta, CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadDogKuzz

Good tip on that brake line...mine rusted out a couple of years ago

Dec 8, 2014 | 11:35 AM

#12

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadDogKuzz

Thanks for the heads-up.

Steve

Dec 8, 2014 | 12:53 PM

#13

hydro man 17

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From: Hat Creek Ca

Also I used Valvoline Syn Dot 3 & 4 to help combat the moisture issue of Dot3.
Valvoline.com > Products > Brake Fluids > DOT 4 Brake Fluid > Valvoline® DOT 3 & 4 Brake Fluid[/QUOTE]

A while back I was considering going to DOT 4 fluid in my 4Runner and was told that it is not compatible with the cups and seals designed for DOT 3 fluid. Is this really so??

Dec 8, 2014 | 05:37 PM

#14

CGMKCM

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From: Randolph County NC

I would flush the PS system and hydra boost also. Between flushing both systems my brake pedal feel improved quite a bit.

Dec 8, 2014 | 08:02 PM

#15

truckeemtnfords

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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH

Dot 4 does nothing for moisture issues in all the research I have done, it only increaes the boiling point which is better for hard use and 4 wheel disc vehicles.