Changing Brake Fluid

Discussion in 'Challenger Wheels, Tires and Brakes Forum' started by SRT-Tom, Jul 7, 2019.

  1. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

    Posts:
    7,061
    Likes Received:
    2,174
    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2011
    Location:
    southern New Jersey
    It is a good idea to change brake fluid out every two years, since it absorbs moisture.

    Check the color of your fluid. It should be transparent. However, if it looks dark or brown, it has absorbed moisture through the seals or tiny holes in the rubber brake lines.

    Once your fluid has absorbed moisture it will adversely affect aluminum, steel and stainless parts in the system (not to mention the very expensive ABS pump). Also, the boiling point of the old fluid is lower, as well.
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2019
  2. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

    Posts:
    1,105
    Likes Received:
    319
    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2019
    Location:
    Southern Ontario
    Good advice!
    Also a good idea not to use old fluid you have sitting around that you’ve opened previously
    Apparently it will absorb moisture and be less effective
     
    Last edited: Jul 8, 2019
  3. 70-426_10-SRT

    70-426_10-SRT B&E body lover

    Age:
    64
    Posts:
    1,947
    Likes Received:
    894
    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2018
    Location:
    PDX
    Bought a '93 Softail Harley once,
    and the rear brakes felt weird,
    but hardly use the Rear unless you really need to stop hard.

    Opened the reservoir and they had NEVER changed the Brake Fluid.
    Was a GRAY SLUDGE.
    Flushed the calipers, the line and the reservoir out, and it stopped a lot better :)
     
  4. Paul Abrams

    Paul Abrams Active Member

    Posts:
    34
    Likes Received:
    5
    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2018
    Location:
    Nevermind
    Do I get just any old brake fluid?

    How do I flush the calipers/line/reservoir?
     
  5. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

    Posts:
    1,105
    Likes Received:
    319
    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2019
    Location:
    Southern Ontario
    I have never tried one of these so I can’t say how well it works. You can get a vacuum pump that will draw new fluid through the system. Since I just purchased the car I am planning on changing all fluids before winter hits. New brake fluid will be one of them.
     
  6. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

    Posts:
    7,061
    Likes Received:
    2,174
    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2011
    Location:
    southern New Jersey
    As with many things car care related, there is no hard, fast rule for when brake fluid will need to be changed. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or if you do a lot of sudden braking, your brake fluid (and brake pads) will likely not last as long as someone who does more highway driving. Here are four reasons why changing brake fluid is necessary:

    Reason #1: Brake fluid is “hydroscopic,” which means it actively attracts moisture from the air.

    This is often cited as the main reason to change your brake fluid. Because many parts of your braking system are made of metal, flushing the brake fluid can prevent corrosion and failure of those metal components.

    Reason #2: As brake fluid ages and becomes contaminated with small particles, the boiling point of the fluid goes down.

    This reduces your braking performance, which you might not notice for awhile, but every inch counts when it comes to braking. In extreme cases, it can lead to the brakes not working at all.

    Reason #3: As your ABS and traction control systems activate, they generate heat, which further breaks down the fluid.

    Although ABS and traction control are important safety systems that rely on clean brake fluid, the heat they generate shortens the life of your brake fluid.

    Reason #4: Anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control components are sensitive to moisture and small particulates from contaminated fluid.

    Flushing the brake fluid prevents it from ruining expensive brake parts. An ABS module, for example, is what activates the ABS and pulses the brakes to help you stop straight. This critical component typically costs several hundred dollars.


     
    B5blueRT likes this.