I was looking into doing this myself and was hoping some of you could answer a few questions for me...

- How much fluid do you need? I read that you need 2 liters (~ 68 oz.) to fully flush and replace the fluid.

- Anyone use ATE Type 200 or the Super Blue? Looks like it's a step below Motul but a lot less expensive.

- Is there a DIY on here for this? I've searched but couldn't find anything.

Thanks for the help! And if there's any pointers anyone would like to add, I'd appreciate it.

 

You didn't search very hard. Found these by searching for "brake fluid":

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/52k-miles-fuel-system-service-brake-system-flush-transmission-fluid-replacement-752592/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/conflicting-info-brake-flush-help-758677/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/how-many-bottles-brake-fluid-needed-change-2007-tl-s-758566/

 

fluid choice depends on how you drive- like a madman or street casual street commuter?

DOT spec4 regular or synthetic 3-5$ per qt. valvoline, castrol, oreillys all fine

DOT 5.1 thats five point ONE for wannabe racers- 15$ qt

NEVER use five point Zero - the silicones in it are not compatible with TL system parts

See DIY for special bleed order must be followed
1 qt/ltr is usually enough if system was pretty clean but get 2 and do an excellent job.
Maybe do the whole job 2 times around so you know its spotless clean fluid everywhere
Change brake fluid every year- wiki hygroscopic for why

 

DOT 3-4 is fine for 99% of the applications.

DOT 5.1 USUALLY has a higher boiling point than the other two. The main advantage of 5.1 is it's twice as thin and enhances ABS operation. In other words, an ABS equipped car will actually stop quicker with 5.1 regardless of temperature.

DOT 3,4, and 5.1 are all compatable with one another.

DOT 5 is silicone based and not compatable with the other fluids or the TL.

All DOT fluids are synthetic so don't be fooled by the "synthetic" formulas costing more. It's all marketing.

 

thanks for the replies! missed those threads during my search...my bad!

 

i was told by a somewhat experienced mechanic, when i asked him for a brake job how much he would charge me to change the brake fluid as well he said that i would not need it done and that i should not let anybody tell me different... i have about 30000 on my 2005 TL. i dont drive it much as i drive a older car to work.

 

The 2004 Acura TL owner's manual specifications call for the brake fluid to be replaced every 3 years, pg. 211.

 

ABS parts are expensive- brake fluid is cheap- maybe wait 2 years from new then do it every year, acura is very optomistic in its maitenance, and you have to figure every car is in `severe service`

Your ~somewhat experienced~ guy needs more training!!!-
you are overdue on time for fluid change. Techs are lazy and dont like doing brake fluid- its messy and time comsuming compared to other jobs they could be doing

Go to another private repair shop that does honda and acura- make sure they know the correct order is LF RF RR LR otherwise use someone else

wiki hygroscopic and you will be changing fluid twice a year in bad/wet climates!

 

If you only drive the TL now and then, once a month take it for 45 minutes on the freeway - with A/C on at least 10-15 minutes to keep it in good shape

the problem is hygroscopic action gets moisture in the fluids and driving is what it takes to dry out-
See the water drops coming from other cars exhaust tips- thats you too! rust exhaust system internally

ps fluid gets hot and dries out, brake fluid doesnt circulate in the same way and doesnt dry out- causing rust in system--seen it- replaced many parts...