Brake Fluid Flushed?
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: florida
Brake Fluid Flushed?
I have a 1991 f-15- xlt texas Lariat extended cab. I took it to ford today to get the oil changed and as usual they do their little multipoint inspection. They told me that my Brake Fluid is getting Black and needs to be flushed. Is there a benefit to doing this or is it maybe just someone trying to sell me something that I dont need?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 767
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From: Franklin, GA
I usually say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Coming from a dealership that is in the market to make money, I would take what they suggested with a grain of salt. But since they brought it up, you could do a little inspection of your own and consider whether or not you may want to flush the system the next pad or shoe change. Debris particles like flakes of rust and small pieces of rubber would be a good indicator for a flush. Dark colored fluid doesn't, in itself, dictate flushing the system.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Boise, ID
crossf-150, biz4two has a point. Chances are the fluid has never been flushed. If so, that makes the fluid 13 years old. Its time for a flush, regardless of what it looks like. Brake fluid is constantly absorbing moisture. Moisture = rust which = blown wheel cylinders, blown calipers, and blown master cylinders just to mention a few possibilities.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Albuquerque
Originally posted by rebocardo
I flush my system every couple of years. It prevents a lot of damage, plus, it helps make sure the bleeder screws are not rusted in place.
I flush my system every couple of years. It prevents a lot of damage, plus, it helps make sure the bleeder screws are not rusted in place.
That is a good habit to get into...for all of us. I usually go about three myself.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: florida
I have never flushed it so that would put it at 13 years. They said that it is getting black. Sounds like something that I should get done then.
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Posting Guru
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From: On A Ship, MI
sorry for the bad news but break fluid should be flushed every 5 years! it dose and will go bad. because the way the break lines run have it power bled if you get air in the line you cannot get it out with out power bleeding it.
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From: (home) Bozeman MT, School - Grand Forks, ND
I'm wondering about the same thing, I just took my 98 F-150 in for service and they recommended a brake fluid flush, new front brakes etc. I plan to do the brakes myself but is a fluid flush necessary? Also can I just bleed the brakes on my own? Or do I need to powerflush them??? Thanks for any info.
-Aaron
-Aaron
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Running Springs CA
It is only the four wheel antilock system on some Broncos that need special tools for bleeding and that is only if air has gotten into the lines.
German automakers recommend brake fluid changes every 3 years or so, US and Japanese do not. Maybe they assume that a caliper or cylinder will fail soon enough. Anyway, brake fluid does absorb water from the air and that lowers the boiling point, causing bubbles to form in the calipers under extreme conditions.
Jim
German automakers recommend brake fluid changes every 3 years or so, US and Japanese do not. Maybe they assume that a caliper or cylinder will fail soon enough. Anyway, brake fluid does absorb water from the air and that lowers the boiling point, causing bubbles to form in the calipers under extreme conditions.
Jim
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