McChicken

Gentlemen -
I noticed in the car manual about changing the brake fluid every 3 years regardless of miles. Is it that big of a deal to get it done in that time frame?

tweedle99

iTrader: (2)

I think they recommend 45K miles. You can wait if you want, it's all depend how much you drive in those 3 years.

This is due to the fact the brake fluid attracts water molecules from the air. Someone correct me here about the technical stuff. This reduce your brake fluid efficiency so your braking performance drops over time.


I replaced the brake fluid on my '92 vigor after like 50k miles and the brake pedal felt much firmer and brake was much more responsive. I used the mity-vac vacuum pump and about a quart or two of new brake fluid. My old fluid was like iced tea color compared to clear when new.

bgsm1th

I changed the brake fluid in my 01' CL-S for the first time about 6 months ago @ 68k miles, and it was VERY dirty. I noticed a slight change in braking after the change, not too significant, but it was worth the $$. I don't think it's a really big deal that you get it done NOW, but you should just get it done sooner or later, one of the joys of owning a car is the preventative care.

B

Bluto

Moisture/Water is also very bad for the system parts, ABS sensors, etc. The cost of the fluid (and labor) is nothing compared to the cost of fixing the ABS system.

MisterMehoff

is there a DIY on changing the fluid cause I have no idea how to change it.

bgsm1th

I think I paid less than $50 to have my mechanic do mine (not at the dealer of course) while I was getting new brake pads. I think it's worth it just to have it done for you. I have not seen a DIY on here.

B

MisterMehoff

I did a DIY on my front rotors/pads about a month ago. I didn't think about changing the brake fluid. So, I would have pay labor on top of buying the fluid?

dms1

I did mine this past summer.

I searched and found a post by Jens which contained a DIY for replacing the brake lines, changing the brake fluid and bleeding the brake lines. It was simple to do with a helper.

I researched brake fluids and used Castrol LMA which was recommended by Jens who was a tech at an Acura dealership.

As others have stated the main reason to replace the brake fluid is to remove the water absorbed by the fluid. Having too much water in the brake fluid will not only lead to corrosion but also may boil out when your calipers heat up after repeated braking leading to a drastic reduction in braking capability.