Brake Fluid: Ought It Be Changed?
Brake Fluid: Ought It Be Changed?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 43
From: Land of Taxes
All fluids need to be changed. Axles, transfer case, trans, power steering, coolant, brake fluid.etc...I do my brakes about every 2 years on all of my vehicles. If you are a DIY'er purchase the bug spray style pump bleeders(Summit , Jegs). Make sure you get the right master cylinder adapter and use the correct brake fluid. Fresh brake fluid. Never use fluid that's been sitting longer than 3-6 months. Its very hydrophilic (likes to absorb water). Your brake system will reward you with longevity. I have a 95 GC Jeep that has 226K on original rear calipers. Only reason I changed the fronts is the piston dust seals...well turned to dust.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I like the speed bleeders way better than the pumps. Making the process quick and easy goes a long way to getting folks to at least think about it. Brake fluid is hygroscopic for a reason, though - If it weren't, brake lines would freeze solid in cold weather with any moisture present.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 30
From: VA- Shenandoah Valley
I don't have an aversion to replacing brake fluid, but I've put a lot of miles on a lot of vehicles, I have not experienced caliper failure, and I don't change the brake fluid unless I am replacing components. It is a choice, not a necessity unless you drive excessive amounts of mileage.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
A few years ago, I would have said "No, it's a closed system."
But then I had my 01 in for a state inspection. Was told that my brakes needed bled. No way. I bought it new. Never opened a line. And this was a shop that I totally trust. I guess over time it was slowly degrading. I didn't realize the pedal was taking longer and longer to build pressure.
Got it back and I could not believe that difference in the feel of the brake pedal.
So Yes, keep an eye on the brake fluid and change it.
But then I had my 01 in for a state inspection. Was told that my brakes needed bled. No way. I bought it new. Never opened a line. And this was a shop that I totally trust. I guess over time it was slowly degrading. I didn't realize the pedal was taking longer and longer to build pressure.
Got it back and I could not believe that difference in the feel of the brake pedal.
So Yes, keep an eye on the brake fluid and change it.
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