"Change the Brake Fluid"

[BlackXL]

On the mavericks with the electric brake booster, plan on acquiring a pressure bleeder. This is required maintenance on a very expensive system for parts. If you dilute, try to bleed with the pedal or try to use suction at the caliper, undesirable results will occur.

Sponsored

 

[ffoc01]

Ford just went through a very expensive and very preventable recall on Fusions, Milan's and MKZ/Zephyrs because aged brake fluid caused their ABS modules to internally seize. Ford got caught up as responsible since they didn't specify a service interval for the fluid. Between that and the new, far more complex electric brake booster systems, I can see why Ford is now listing this as scheduled maintainence.

Honestly, before the Fusion (and even a few Fords after), Ford's brake systems didn't last as long without servicing at least one hydraulic component. The fluid didn't have to be changed, since you'd likely need a caliper, wheel cylinder or master cylinder before the brake fluid went bad.

 

[teh603]

On the mavericks with the electric brake booster, plan on acquiring a pressure bleeder. This is required maintenance on a very expensive system for parts. If you dilute, try to bleed with the pedal or try to use suction at the caliper, undesirable results will occur.

Good to know. I've got a suction bleeder kit that I bought for my Jeep- in- a- barn (long story), so at least now I know to not try bleeding with it.

Ford just went through a very expensive and very preventable recall on Fusions, Milan's and MKZ/Zephyrs because aged brake fluid caused their ABS modules to internally seize. Ford got caught up as responsible since they didn't specify a service interval for the fluid. Between that and the new, far more complex electric brake booster systems, I can see why Ford is now listing this as scheduled maintainence.

Intellesting. Had a feeling it was something like that.

Now that I think about it, it's kinda weird they never did have a maintenance plan for brake parts, other than "check the pads/shoes". I guess the first warning was supposed to be the brake light (if it leaked) or having a wreck because your brakes failed?

 

[rlhdweman]

Good to know. I've got a suction bleeder kit that I bought for my Jeep- in- a- barn (long story), so at least now I know to not try bleeding with it.

Intellesting. Had a feeling it was something like that.

Now that I think about it, it's kinda weird they never did have a maintenance plan for brake parts, other than "check the pads/shoes". I guess the first warning was supposed to be the brake light (if it leaked) or having a wreck because your brakes failed?

All the older cars I owned had metal tab on the pads that made the brakes squeal when the pads were getting to the end of life. Until I owned my current Taurus, I never knew changing brake fluid was a thing. It was changed when I replaced a caliper or wheel cylinder or rusted out brake line.

 

[bombast]

Is brake fluid more prone to corrosion/water absorption when it isn't cycled/compressed often? Is it possible that the fluids need changed more often only on the hybrid because they anticipate the regen braking keeps the brakes from doing anything most of the time (Its certainly turned out that way for me)?

 

[alh01]

On the mavericks with the electric brake booster, plan on acquiring a pressure bleeder. This is required maintenance on a very expensive system for parts. If you dilute, try to bleed with the pedal or try to use suction at the caliper, undesirable results will occur.

I have the motive bleeder. Relatively affordable if you’re a DIY guy. Highly recommend it. Likely pay for itself the first time you use it.
Good fluid can also withstand a bit more abuse.

Is brake fluid more prone to corrosion/water absorption when it isn't cycled/compressed often? Is it possible that the fluids need changed more often only on the hybrid because they anticipate the regen braking keeps the brakes from doing anything most of the time (Its certainly turned out that way for me)?

the brake fluid is really not going to circulate much regardless of model. Every other year would be plenty. Every third fine. I notice a performance difference. So it’s worth it to me.

 

[Flomounier1]

Maybe the Hybrid regen braking system wears out the fluid quicker? Is it the same for EcoBoost?

 

[ffoc01]

Ford's brake fluid recommendation has nothing to do with the hybrid system specifically. It was added to the maintenance schedule when the Electronic brake booster debuted as standard on the 2020 Explorer and an option on the 2020 Escape. Ford's recommendation for a 3 year brake fluid change interval goes for all of its vehicles, conventional and hybrid, not just the Maverick.

 

[DryHeat]

Most people trade a car in every 3 years to 5 years.

I think this used to be true when I was young. But in recent years the average length of ownership has crept up to about seven years.

There is often so little difference between model years that people don't feel like they are driving an "old" car until quite a bit of time has passed. And cars seem to stay in good condition longer.

When I was a boy you could tell the year of a car from a distance -- think about the 56, 57, and 58 chevies -- but now when I see some cars I'm lucky if I can guess within 5 years of the correct model year.

 

[dalola]

Kinda funny.....people think they need to change the engine oil every 3-5K, but scoff at reasonable brake fluid maintenance....which is cheaper, quicker, and arguably more important.

 

[kpomeraning]

Ford just went through a very expensive and very preventable recall on Fusions, Milan's and MKZ/Zephyrs because aged brake fluid caused their ABS modules to internally seize. Ford got caught up as responsible since they didn't specify a service interval for the fluid. Between that and the new, far more complex electric brake booster systems, I can see why Ford is now listing this as scheduled maintainence.

Honestly, before the Fusion (and even a few Fords after), Ford's brake systems didn't last as long without servicing at least one hydraulic component. The fluid didn't have to be changed, since you'd likely need a caliper, wheel cylinder or master cylinder before the brake fluid went bad.

. As someone with a 2009 fusion who lost his brakes, I can vouch for that... Additionally the calipers are constantly problematic - requiring bead blasting every few years.

 

[Redneck Garage]

My 2001 Ford Ranger had 397410 miles on it when an employee wrecked it. It had anti lock brakes. I changed the brake fluid - 0 times - NEVER in all those years. Brake fluid in 2001 was no less corrosive than fluid on the shelf now. My 2020 Lexus went into service for an oil change it has 21000 miles on it. The service writer called me and said uh yeah the brake fluid needs to be changed because its the time really not the miles. I was like uhhh no thanks the fluid is just fine. I need to read a bit more on the need to change brake fluid in those intervals but I promise and you might not belive this, but dealerships do a number of things to make money. Dealers say you cant mix old and new fluid .......... uh huh. Not saying its a terrible thing to change it Im just not sold that it is imperative every 20K.

 

[mritchie77]

Every time I do brakes, I bleed each caliper (or cylinder in my old drum setups) until the burned and dis-colored fluid is gone and fresh clear fluid comes out. This keeps old fluid from getting sucked back into the proportioning valve and keeps me from having to do complete flushes. Just bleed and top off. Never had an issue.

 

[JennyJoannSuebeeMcNash]

My 2001 Ford Ranger had 397410 miles on it when an employee wrecked it. It had anti lock brakes. I changed the brake fluid - 0 times - NEVER in all those years. Brake fluid in 2001 was no less corrosive than fluid on the shelf now. My 2020 Lexus went into service for an oil change it has 21000 miles on it. The service writer called me and said uh yeah the brake fluid needs to be changed because its the time really not the miles. I was like uhhh no thanks the fluid is just fine. I need to read a bit more on the need to change brake fluid in those intervals but I promise and you might not belive this, but dealerships do a number of things to make money. Dealers say you cant mix old and new fluid .......... uh huh. Not saying its a terrible thing to change it Im just not sold that it is imperative every 20K.

I should send you my Gary Yeoman Honda review. "Dealerships to a number of things to make money" really struck a chord with me. Dealerships are always pushing unneeded services on their customers.

 

[crunchie_frog]

To me, changing the brake fluid at some frequency is one of the most important PMs you can do. The fluid absorbs moisture over time, corrosion products start to build up in the fluid, these corrosion products wear the master cylinder ultimately leading to failure of the master cylinder and in the worst case can plug off the port in the caliper causing lock up, not to mention spongey braking when the moisture level gets high in the brake fluid. If you have an old car in your driveway and have not flushed the brake fluid go look at it and it will be dark and or greenish, the color is from the corrosion products (metal oxides).

Sponsored