Brake fluid flush?

[muddpuppy]

I am getting ready to do my brakes again. 140,000 miles on this car. I have called a couple places to see about getting my Brake fluid power flushed. Both places told me to save my money not worth doing??????

Does brake fluid not break down at all?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Brake fluid flushes are one of the few "flushes" that I truly believe in. Brake fluid is hygroscopic or it likes to absorb moisture. Moisture or water boils at 212 degress F. which is much lower than brake fluids boiling point which is roughly 400 degress dry.

What does this mean?

under normal breaking you will likely never have an issue but if there is an occasion where severe breaking is required the brake fluid can boil at a much lower temp than it normally would if it is full of moisture. This can lead to the fading of the braking system or loss of the braking system (worst case scenario).

The other issue is the corrosion of brake lines from the inside. For the longest time I always wondered why fords brake fluid turned green when it gets old (and now many manufacturers fluid turns green). From what I understand the green color is the corrosion of the copper lining in the brake lines. Excessive levels of this corrosion in the brake fluid can also affect the ABS system.

How often should it be done?

There are a few different tests that can be done. One is with a test strip that will measure the amount of moisture in the fluid and the other is an electronic brake fluid tester. on average I would say somewhere around the 36-72k mile mark is normal, or about every brake service (some vehicles every other).

[muddpuppy]

Thanks for the info Airjer, what should this service cost roughly?

[skolfoppa]

If you can take off a tire you can pull off a brake line flush. You will need a helper, but it is very easy. Basically, you are pushing old fluid out through the bleeder valve off the calipers. As the level in the reservoir drains down, add more fluid. Start at the tire farthest away from the master cylinder and work toward the nearest tire. It is a good time to switch to synthetic fluid too. Also, you can get a good luck at the brake system and thoroughly inspect the lifesaving goodness that are your brakes. Skol.

[Jeremy airjer W]

80 - 90 dollars would be average. We have them 10% off right now (i think).

Yes, it can be done yourself. I would open all the bleeders and let it gravity bleed making sure to keep the master full. Once the fronts start dripping clean fluid close all the bleeders and then have a helper manually bleed all four wheels until the fluid is clear. Have a couple of big bottles of brake fluid on hand. you can easily use a quart + to get all four wheels clean.

Or you can bring it in, spend a couple of bucks and be out the door in about 1/2 hour.

[Scott K]

I just flushed the brake fluid in my 97 Taurus, but it wasnt because I wanted too. Dang Minnesota roads

[muddpuppy]

I just flushed the brake fluid in my 97 Taurus, but it wasnt because I wanted too. Dang Minnesota roads

Sounds like it was more then just a flush?

I will give it a shot when I do my brakes see how it goes.