General Diesel Discussion Talk about general diesel engines (theory, etc.) If it's about diesel, and it doesn't fit anywhere else, then put it right in here.

Brake Fluid Changes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-20-2004, 08:09 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Geico266's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 3,988
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
Brake Fluid Changes

Did you guys know the most neglected fluid in your truck is the brake fluid? We all know brake fluid absorbs water right? We all know you are suppose to change the fluid once every 2 years right? How many do it that often? Have you ever changed brake fluid?

Come on fess up. I know I didn't change brake fluid regularly until I started replacing front calipers as often as I change engine oil.

Just thought I would start a new thread. I'm tired of talking about Dan Blather.
Old 09-20-2004, 08:12 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
infidel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Montana
Posts: 14,672
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
My '82 Toyota PU with 300k+ on it has the same brake fluid that came with it new.
Brakes have always been better than the ones on my Rams with just the regular pad/shoe replacements and turning.
Old 09-20-2004, 10:14 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
Mopar1973man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: New Meadows, Idaho
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've replaced my brake fluid in my 02 Dodge at about 40,000 miles... little late but its changed.

It look like half used gasser engine oil - that brown honey color...
Old 09-20-2004, 10:16 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
Turbo Deeezle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: San Diego
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Fluid is changed once a year and is filled with Motul. Only the best for mi Caballero. Brake fluid shouldn't be forgotten......especially in our brake eating tanks.

Infidel.... your Toyota only weighs as much as your CTD motor.... therefore brakes will go to infinity.
Old 09-20-2004, 10:18 PM
  #5  
Registered User
 
bulabula's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Eastern & Western Merryland
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I always thought a two year interval was good for changing out brake fluid. (Not that I conform to that maintenance plan). I've only changed fluid twice on my cars, and that was because of bad MC's.

I am better at changing out power steering fluid though.
Old 09-21-2004, 06:40 AM
  #6  
Registered User
 
jj3500's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 668
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
whats the most popular brake fluid for our CTD?
Old 09-21-2004, 07:32 AM
  #7  
Administrator
 
Dieseldude4x4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Claremont, Virginia
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
You forgot to mention power steering fluid too.
I change both once a year. I have one of those vacuum evacuators from one of the parts stores that I just stick the hose in the reservoirs and draw out the old and dump in the new. I will usually cycle the steering wheel lock to lock a few times and drain out the fluid one or two times. It may be overkill but hey, it's my vehicle and my money. And besides, the oil companies love it.
Old 09-21-2004, 08:42 AM
  #8  
Registered User
 
Nevada's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Logan, Utah
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I use a turkey baseter to suck out a pint of brake fluid with every oil change. I always replace with Ford Heavy Duty brake fluid, it has a very high boiling point for a DOT 3 fluid.

Dieseldude 4x4 - I'm with you on the power steering fluid. You know that the power steering pump is our brake booster as well. No vacuum assist on our motors. I change mine every 30K miles and I have an inline Magnefine filter on the return line from the brakes.
Old 09-21-2004, 09:07 AM
  #9  
Registered User
 
Lightman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I have a Motiv (I believe that's the brand) brake bleeder, and it's great. It fit my VW, my MB, and my Cummins. Basically its a hand actuated pump and reservoir. You screw the cap from the pump onto the brake fluid reservoir and pressurize the system to about 15psi. Then you simply open each brake bleeder until clean fluid is coming out. Easily done by one person, no pumping the brakes, no air in the lines etc. It makes doing them yearly a minor task. Most manufacturers I've seen recommend brake fluid changes every 2 years though..not sure what it says in our manuals...
Old 09-21-2004, 03:07 PM
  #10  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Geico266's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 3,988
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
You are correct! Its every 2 years, but I think most owners never change brake fluid at all. Its cheap and easy to do, and it will save you from replacing cylinders & calipers.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
t_george77
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
4
06-26-2010 07:36 AM
vander
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2007 and up
1
06-11-2010 05:14 PM
jj3500
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
2
01-08-2008 02:52 PM
fbx22
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
8
03-06-2007 08:34 PM
herb
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
7
04-06-2004 09:20 PM



Quick Reply: Brake Fluid Changes



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:16 PM.