Does this look like it needs replacing?

[Ziggy122]

I know Fresh brake fluid is like a Lemon water - hardly any colour to it

What i've got is this....


More syrup coloured, and what looks like black swarf/flakes floating in it too....

I've only had car 2 / 3 months and last known change is in the history somewhere....

Is it ready for replacing?

Ziggy

 

[s130]

Ideally DOT 4 brake fluid should be changed every 24 months. Some garages will test at 12 months, 24 months, 36 months and may only replace if the water content is high.

Most just test the resevoir fluid and not a sample from a brake pipe / caliper. This OK to do as moisture enters via the reservoir anyway.

However althought the moisture content is OK the fluid in the system can become dirty and dark over time.

So ideally changer every 24 months if you can. Alternatively test every 12 and 24 months recording results and relative degradation and replace every 36 months.

Check your service records as to when the fluid was last changed and go from there.

 

[sludgeguts]

I would. That stuff is more or less all there is to stop you going into the back of something.

 

[Ziggy122]

hmmm i must have.miss.read it
looks like its had a brake bleed at a tenner but no mention of a brake fluid change so a change it shall have.... Very soon

Ziggy

 

[s130]

Wise.

The fact that it has had a brake bleed suggests to me the brakes were spongy / long and air had to be blead out of the system. If there is no air leak in the system then the only other way to get air in the system is where the brake fluid has boiled due to overheating. This happens when the water content is high. The boiled water release air which then cuases the air lock.

If this did happen then definately a full fluid change is required.

 

[Ziggy122]

Wise.

The fact that it has had a brake bleed suggests to me the brakes were spongy / long and air had to be blead out of the system. If there is no air leak in the system then the only other way to get air in the system is where the brake fluid has boiled due to overheating. This happens when the water content is high. The boiled water release air which then cuases the air lock.

If this did happen then definately a full fluid change is required.

that was in 2010 - from previous owners record's that came with the car

Tbh i'm not happy - got no REAL history of it
Got a Bottle of Halfrauds brake fluid - The though of - Why the Hell not

Ziggy

 

[sludgeguts]

Tbh i'm not happy - got no REAL history of it

Hmmm, I'd drain the lot & renew. I'd also be looking to flush the engine, fresh oil & filters, probably even renew the coolant & check the condition of the pads/shoes.

 

[Ziggy122]

Hmmm, I'd drain the lot & renew. I'd also be looking to flush the engine, fresh oil & filters, probably even renew the coolant & check the condition of the pads/shoes.

Oil and filter are due i think, its been a well looked after car tbh
Airfilter with oil (allow for oil to drain while i change it)

The Rear Drums and shoes are good - Need a clean and reset - but there almost like new underneath

Already done the Front pads and disc's

I brought it with low pads, it'd been stood so the disc's were very corse and its eaten the pads

So when the pads had gone down more - i replaced it all

Ziggy