Black Brake Fluid..Yuck!
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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Black Brake Fluid..Yuck!
Guys,
I just did a total Brake Flush on my 02 Ex V-10 yesterday. My wife was the pedal pusher and I kept on filling the Master Cylinder with fresh MotorCraft Dot 3 brake fluid. I could not believe how black the original fluid was. It looks like 10 yr old motor oil. The Ex just turned 33k.
My question is why does brake fluid turn black? and why does Ford not have a maint. schedule for this?
It was a very easy 30 minute flush job...Anyone can do it..
Thanks..
I just did a total Brake Flush on my 02 Ex V-10 yesterday. My wife was the pedal pusher and I kept on filling the Master Cylinder with fresh MotorCraft Dot 3 brake fluid. I could not believe how black the original fluid was. It looks like 10 yr old motor oil. The Ex just turned 33k.
My question is why does brake fluid turn black? and why does Ford not have a maint. schedule for this?
It was a very easy 30 minute flush job...Anyone can do it..
Thanks..
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
I believe black indicates excessive heat and moisture. Make sure your MC cap is clean and it seals properly.
Usually you hear about it when the vehicle is 5 years old or so.
Don't know why Ford doesn't put it in their recommendations. Once a year is a good interval for the **** rententive & motorcycle owners. For normal folks, just keeping an eye on the color and changing it when it turn a little darker than honey is a reasonable interval.
Usually you hear about it when the vehicle is 5 years old or so.
Don't know why Ford doesn't put it in their recommendations. Once a year is a good interval for the **** rententive & motorcycle owners. For normal folks, just keeping an eye on the color and changing it when it turn a little darker than honey is a reasonable interval.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
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From: Hartford, WI
I use a synthetic DOT4 fluid. Mercedes Benz protocol is to flush brakes once every 2 years. I do that for my other cars as well. However, MB seems more catered to doing PM than Ford or GM or Chrysler.
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
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Good ol' DOT 3 is all that is needed and I change once a year regardless.
Brake fluid is hydroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture (which it is supposed to do) to keep parts from corroding. Getting this moisture, dirt and "stuff" out is key to good braking with no fading and keeping the internals working.
If one's fluid is "black" or dark brown, I would consider flushing it again as the fluid in the ABS system will work its way through as some of it does not come out as one just pushes the pedal (to flush).
These trucks have the ability to tow a lot of weight, as well as weighing 8,000lbs... so good brakes is a must!!!
Brake fluid is hydroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture (which it is supposed to do) to keep parts from corroding. Getting this moisture, dirt and "stuff" out is key to good braking with no fading and keeping the internals working.
If one's fluid is "black" or dark brown, I would consider flushing it again as the fluid in the ABS system will work its way through as some of it does not come out as one just pushes the pedal (to flush).
These trucks have the ability to tow a lot of weight, as well as weighing 8,000lbs... so good brakes is a must!!!
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