OT - brake fluid change

denglish · May 10, 2016

My wife took her Honda Civic to the dealer for air conditioner repair and while there they sold her a "brake fluid change" for $69. I was a little taken aback as I have never changed or flushed a brake system that wasn't leaking or being otherwise serviced. It seems like a stretch to think that a closed hydraulic system that is functioning normally and doesn't see much in the way of high temperatures would need new fluid. Maybe I'm wrong.

Curious about thoughts on this? I'm assuming it is a standard Honda dealership up-sell. Also, they failed to fix the air conditioner despite charging $500 so I feel even more put out since some incompetent service person cracked the brake system and risked screwing it up!

Mike M · May 10, 2016

I think that is cheaper than what a fluid change cost at the dealers around here. It is a good idea to change it out as it draws moisture and if done can actually save money by making your wheel cylinders and calipers not stick. Several makers have that listed under scheduled maintenance. I think around 30 to 40 K miles ? Another thing good to have done is to clean and lube the sliders. I put mine off but my pads lasted to 70+ K miles ! Unheard of for me on any other brand car I have had. I had a school bus pull right out in front of me one day and that's when I knew I had a brake problem. It was not slowing down a good as it should of. I was lucky to have an opening by a driveway to take my car off road to avoid the collision.
I am making sure that on Mom's Honda she lets them do these little things so it keeps working right.

dpendzic · May 10, 2016

I use a turkey baster to empty the master cylinder and then replace with new fluid

johnlobb · May 10, 2016

I just did the rear drum brakes on my Saturn and I also removed as much of the brake fluid from the master cylinder as I could with a turkey baster. It was somewhat discolored since I had done the same thing a couple of years ago when I did the front disc brakes. Brake fluid attracts moisture over time and rusts the master cylinder and wheel cylinders and should be changed periodically.

denglish · May 10, 2016

Thanks for the replies. I keep my hands off my wife's car in the interest of marital peace.

I've really never even thought of flushing brake fluid other than when bleeding. Even when replacing a master cylinder, you can bench bleed and not even need to bleed at the wheel cyliners/calipers. I always thought it was better to leave them alone than go mucking around where there are no leaks.

I guess I am too much in the "if it aint broken, don't fix it" school of thought. Probably because there is always plenty of broken stuff that needs my attention.

denglish · May 10, 2016

I'd be curious to know why they use a fluid in which water is soluble in braking systems. Also, it's hard to imagine how water finds its way into a properly sealed system??

Dean · May 10, 2016

The federales write specifications that the manufacturers must adhere to.

Regarding the latter question, the system is not sealed.

Dean

Mike M · May 10, 2016

"I guess I am too much in the "if it aint broken, don't fix it" school of thought. Probably because there is always plenty of broken stuff that needs my attention. "

This used to be me ! Especially when I ran the Chevies and Dodges ! They were usually needing something done. Fluids got done then while it was apart. Most of our home family fleet is now all Hondas ! Pretty much don't have to repair too much on them. At least until they get old and the rust from the road salt eats up stuff.

Steve@Advance · May 10, 2016

Yes, it is recommended to change brake fluid. If you've ever opened up an old master cylinder, or a wheel cylinder, you'll see why! It turns to a black goo in the bottom of the cylinder once it is contaminated with moisture.

Flushing with clean fluid will get some of the contaminate out. The problem is getting the contaminated fluid out is that the bleeder screws are always on top to get air out. But the bad stuff is still lurking in the bottom of the cylinder! Still, it is better than doing nothing.

Flushing the old fluid out is not difficult, do it just like bleeding the brakes. But! You have to be really careful not to get any air in the system if it has anti-lock brakes. Once air is in the ABS, on some models it can be near impossible to get out without specialized equipment.

Tom in TN · May 10, 2016

My wife has a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Although I do all of the maintenance on my Ranger pickup, I don't do any maintenance on my wife's Jeep. We took it to the Chrysler/Jeep dealer recently for routine maintenance. They suggested, and I agreed to having them change the brake fluid. I was familiar with the concept from a Volkswagen that she used to own. They charged $129.00 for the fluid change. I was glad to have it done, but that seemed like a pretty steep charge to me.

Tom in TN

Geo-TH,In · May 10, 2016

I had a goldwing, 15 years old. The dot
4 BF turned to paste. Brakes were
hanging up. Another person clutch, same
problem. Dealer told me it's time to
change BF on my 9 year old GMC.

So its a good pratice to change BF

Steve@Advance · May 10, 2016

That is a good question, why do they still use brake fluid that absorbs moisture?

Must be a cost factor, because there is a DOT 5 silicone fluid that does not absorb moisture.

It can be used in automotive applications, but is is not compatible with any other fluids! The system would have to be completely dismantled, cleaned and flushed. It is a favorite of restorers, motorcycle owners, RV owners because it can sit indefinitely without corroding cylinders and leaking. You just have to be sure someone doesn't top it off with the wrong fluid!

Mike M · May 10, 2016

DOT 5 is not compatible with anti lock brakes either. It will foam IIRC.

GregCO · May 10, 2016

Just like most reservoirs they will sweat inside and condense water into the system. If the fluid were not hygroscopic we would end up with water bubbles in the fluid and possibly have brake systems that freeze up in the winter or burst brake lines. Rust in the system would also be a problem. Make the fluid mix with the water and it works like antifreeze.

Greg

OT - brake fluid change

denglish

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Mike M

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dpendzic

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johnlobb

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denglish

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denglish

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Dean

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Mike M

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Steve@Advance

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Tom in TN

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Geo-TH,In

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Steve@Advance

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Mike M

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GregCO

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