Brake Fluid Change

Nodding_Donkey

The problem with testing it is that the stuff in the callipers can look very different from the nice clean fluid in the reservoir.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

The problem with testing it is that the stuff in the callipers can look very different from the nice clean fluid in the reservoir.

Exactly, anyone whos replaced leaking or seizing slave cyls will have seen the filthy muck supposed to be brake fluid inside, pull them apart and usually find rust in the fluid where water content has corroded steel slaves/calipers/pipes.

All this reluctance to service THE most important part of a car is tragically funny, wonder if they fit the worlds cheapest ditchfinders too, no point in having rubber that sticks to the road if the brakes arn't up to scratch, just where do you draw the line between money saving and sensible preventative maintenance, which are inextricably linked anyway.

AdrianC

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

Exactly, anyone whos replaced leaking or seizing slave cyls will have seen the filthy muck supposed to be brake fluid inside, pull them apart and usually find rust in the fluid where water content has corroded steel slaves/calipers/pipes.

...then they complain when the bleed nipples are seized and round, strip or snap.

All this reluctance to service THE most important part of a car is tragically funny

Well, quite.

Joe_Horner

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

The problem with testing it is that the stuff in the callipers can look very different from the nice clean fluid in the reservoir.

True, but the moisture content will be much the same (if not slightly higher in the reservoir) because the water will diffuse over time from high concentrations (where it enters) to lower ones. Until it's completely saturated moisture in brake fluid doesn't change the appearance, which is part of the problem - you can't tell by looking!

What makes it look nasty at the calipers is other contaminants like seal wear, and rust which (a bit like an engine oil change) will make the new stuff look dirty within a few days of a change anyway unless you not only flush it but strip and renew everything!

Iceweasel

Yup - although not legally enforced - yet? - these new-fangled service items such as brake-fluid changes are all part of a government / capitalist conspiracy with big business to increase profits for the dark satanic car factory / garage tycoons.

Nothing to do with safety at all.

Just like tyre minimum depths, seat-belts, rear fog-lights, motorcycle crash-helmets, and all the other ridiculous unnecessary things that we have had forced on us.

Whatever next - winter tyres? warning triangles? fire-extinguishers? first-aid kits? All nonsense.

Pah - I've managed fine for 40 odd years and never changed at thing from the way my granddad serviced his Morris Minor.

Or am I wrong?

Back to reality! - I changed the brake-fluid in my car last August - as per the service schedule.

colino

Iceweasel we were told more than 4 years ago that checking the brake fluid was to become part of the MOT test and accredited kit has been available for some time. Unfortunately as no one could provide sufficient evidence that such a change would be statistically worthwhile, it has been quietly dropped.

Iceweasel

Thanks for that colino - I must have missed/forgotten about that - was it in 'Matters of Testing'?

My last post was of course very much 'tongue in cheek' but there's been loads of things proposed for the MOT that have proved to be contentious over the years.

For example I believe that trailer and caravan owners are due for a shake-up in the near future.

We already have rules that make it near impossible to build your own trailer now.

But seeing some of the cr*p trailers around that's probably a good thing.

colino

The brake fluid MOT "change" was at least 4 years ago, but around 18 months ago was the trailer socket tester waste of money. (£50 version hanging up on the board instead of the £250 one from the van).
When/if the trailer one comes in, there will be a flurry of DIY removals going on.