Hybrid Brake Fluid Flush Cost?

[oysterville]

I have only been driving and working on car since 1968 and have never flushed my brakes!why all of a sudden do you need to flush your brakes.

Oh, Paw Paw.

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[Tim d]

To those who own a 3+ year old hybrid, how much did you pay for the brake fluid flush?

People actually flush their brake fluid now? Is this a modern problem? I have two 16 year old dodges and one 53 year old Plymouth that have never had their brake fluid " flushed". I wonder if alot of this maintenence is to generate revenue.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

People actually flush their brake fluid now? Is this a modern problem? I have two 16 year old dodges and one 53 year old Plymouth that have never had their brake fluid " flushed". I wonder if alot of this maintenence is to generate revenue.

Might be more of a "you didn't tell me" thing in case of failure. Moisture in line can cause uneven pressure in different calipers/cylinders. I would generally flush my fluid about 5 or 6 years when replacing pads/shoes.

 

[A Sturdy Beast]

People actually flush their brake fluid now? Is this a modern problem? I have two 16 year old dodges and one 53 year old Plymouth that have never had their brake fluid " flushed". I wonder if alot of this maintenence is to generate revenue.

You have an EcoBoost. It doesn't apply to you.

 

[TheSEARCH]

If you are physically able, and interested, try doing it yourself. If you have an air compressor, you can get a vacuum style bleeder for under $100, which makes the job very quick & easy. I do all my vehicles every 2 years.

Even cheaper a hand vacuum pump can easily flush the fluid. It sucks it out. Easy to do. For others the fact its not vacuum assisted power brakes has no effect on flushing fluid.

I would NOT skip it even if you use those test strips to test for water in fluid. I watch a TV show called motor week and the guy on their used to say change it every year. So 3 years I would do it for sure.

 

[KCRoadrash]

I have never changed the brake fluid on a 4 wheeled vehicle (I'm old AF). It gets changes when I get new pads. Bikes yes, cars no. I suppose on a hybrid the brakes might last longer and maybe fluid would warrant a replacement eventually.

I recognize that Ford says to do this, as does every other manufacturer. My personal theory is US DOT was influenced by the fluid manufacturers.

I believe the real reason that brake fluid in modern vehicles needs to be changed every x years is because we have anti lock braking systems in modern cars. These system s are complex and expensive to repair if the fluid is allowed to become corrupted. Changing the fluid maintains the quality of the fluid.

 

[Tim d]

I believe the real reason that brake fluid in modern vehicles needs to be changed every x years is because we have anti lock braking systems in modern cars. These system s are complex and expensive to repair if the fluid is allowed to become corrupted. Changing the fluid maintains the quality of the fluid.
16 years on both my dodges with anti lock and have never flushed the brake fluid. Suspect it's maybe a hybrid thing or a money grab.

 

[dalola]

Even cheaper a hand vacuum pump can easily flush the fluid. It sucks it out. Easy to do.

This is true, however, the vacuum bleeders that work off compressed air are much quicker, and less prone to getting air in the lines from a mistake with a hand bleeder. If you already have an air compressor, it's a much better option.

 

[TheSEARCH]

This is true, however, the vacuum bleeders that work off compressed air are much quicker, and less prone to getting air in the lines from a mistake with a hand bleeder. If you already have an air compressor, it's a much better option.

Oh I agree but I just wanted to put it out that it can be done real low cost. I have never had an issue with this lower cost option even though I do have a compressor.

 

[Chopperbobc]

How often does Ford reccomend the flushing of the brake fluid and why....ty

 

[scottp01]

I decided to call my dealer. The price quoted for a brake flush is $186. He said it is the same price for hybrids and regular engines. More than I expected, but it could have been worse.

My dealer's price is $220, so that's not bad.
I'll do pads and rotors but I'm not super familiar with bleeding these new braking systems, so $220 is worth the peace of mind that it'll be done right.

 

[scottp01]

How often does Ford reccomend the flushing of the brake fluid and why....ty

Every 3 years. And it's because brake fluid is hydroscopic; it'll absorb water which will degrade the braking system components and cause soft pedal.

 

[dalola]

Just to clarify, the correct term is hygroscopic, not hydroscopic.

 

[Snox801]

Sorry but no one touches my Fords but my Ford Dealer. Around here I pay no more for dealership services.
On my 2004 Escape I checked two well known trusted shops.
Two of the three motor mounts installed $289
At my Ford dealer with Ford parts $229
Coil pack at Ford was installed $120
At those other two shops $179 and $195

lol and around me they are the very last place anyone should take a car after purchasing.
Still not sure why someone at 3 years would need the brake fluid changed?

 

[Snox801]

Every 3 years. And it's because brake fluid is hydroscopic; it'll absorb water which will degrade the braking system components and cause soft pedal.

It will only degrade the fluid. That being said fluid like all fluids is important. Some fluid has a much better “wet” boiling point than others.
but early is always better than late

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