Brake fluid flush

[LAClippers420]

So I brought my truck in for an oil change and they let me know that I was over due for a brake flush. Apparently I had to do it at 30k but I’m at 45k right now. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

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[RodT]

Visually inspect the fluid in the brake master cylinder to verify it's not discolored or contaminated with foreign matter. Even if it looks good you'll still need to buy a brake fluid water tester and measure the water content in the fluid. Bad, dirty or water contaminated fluid will ruin your brake calipers, ABS module, or master cylinder.
Water testers are relatively inexpensive compared to brake system repairs.

 

[tiktokbrainrot]

Get a water tester from amazon and see how bad it really is. My F-250 after 6 years is still at just 1% water, so I havent bothered changing it yet. The VW gets it done religiously because, well, german cars are picky things.

 

[Timothyd]

So I brought my truck in for an oil change and they let me know that I was over due for a brake flush. Apparently I had to do it at 30k but I’m at 45k right now. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

The chances of a worst case scenario are very small. And that would probably be the brakes be applied and staying that way because of stuck pistons. You'd have some advanced notice probably with pedal feel. A flush would be good but I'll probably wait myself till 100k miles.

 

[matmondro]

If the fluid isn't very clear or has a darker hue to it, then it's definitely time to flush it. Although, considering how cheap brake fluid is, it may be worth flushing it anyways just as a preventative measure.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water. Over time, after enough water accumulates in the fluid, it needs to be changed because the boiling point of the fluid is lowered.

 

[dalola]

Brake fluid maintenance is based on time, not mileage.

3 years is the industry standard. I do every two because it's cheap & easy, and internal corrosion is mostly invisible until it isn't.

Just make sure they use DOT4 ULV for optimum ABS performance.

 

[Tim d]

So I brought my truck in for an oil change and they let me know that I was over due for a brake flush. Apparently I had to do it at 30k but I’m at 45k right now. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

I have a classic car that I have not changed the brake fluid in 35 years. Did they change the brake fluid formula? Or is this another money grab.

 

[Geo8866]

I have a classic car that I have not changed the brake fluid in 35 years. Did they change the brake fluid formula? Or is this another money grab.

I'm going to go with money grab. I have never, in any car that I have owned, changed the brake fluid. And I have never had an issue. I believe Harley-Davidson started this trend about 10 or so years ago. When car dealers realized there was money to be made, they added a 2 or 3 year interval to the service schedule.

 

[HeyBales]

Brake Fluid Maintenance 1
Every three years.	Change the brake fluid. 2

1 Perform this maintenance item every 3 years. Do not exceed the designated time for the interval.
2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.

 

[LAClippers420]

Going in on Monday. Had an engine leak as well so they will take care of it all at once.

 

[TheSEARCH]

I will do mine at the three years this August . Do it wit forscan as you have a hybrid It pumps the fluid OUT for you. Just open each bleeder hit flush for each wheel location and away it goes. Just don't let the master run out .

Of COURSE there is ALWAYS the guy who says I NEVER changed my fluid and I was fine. Its a scam LOL> Yea all those master cylinder calipers wheel cylinder brake lines I replaced over the years were all in my mind. Let alone the damage in the hybrid brake system with pumps.

 

[Chopperbobc]

What is the dealership charge for the brake fluid flush and how does the fluid tester work .... with pictures if possible....ty

 

[HeyBales]

What is the dealership charge for the brake fluid flush and how does the fluid tester work .... with pictures if possible....ty

Not sure the quality or accuracy, but it looks exactly like and name is close enough to one they are likely from same factory.
https://a.co/d/0gU6cGzO

 

[inline_five]

I have a classic car that I have not changed the brake fluid in 35 years. Did they change the brake fluid formula? Or is this another money grab.

I'm going to go with money grab. I have never, in any car that I have owned, changed the brake fluid. And I have never had an issue. I believe Harley-Davidson started this trend about 10 or so years ago. When car dealers realized there was money to be made, they added a 2 or 3 year interval to the service schedule.

Yes, new stuff is ultra low viscosity to account for higher ABS cycle rates. It also absorbs water faster.

No, not a money grab (although 3 years may be if living in say AZ) due to the caustic nature of water in the ABS pumps. I know other hybrids like the Prius have failures in their systems, no one really knows why, my thought is due to not replacing brake fluid often enough.

 

[inline_five]

I will do mine at the three years this August . Do it wit forscan as you have a hybrid It pumps the fluid OUT for you. Just open each bleeder hit flush for each wheel location and away it goes. Just don't let the master run out .

Of COURSE there is ALWAYS the guy who says I NEVER changed my fluid and I was fine. Its a scam LOL> Yea all those master cylinder calipers wheel cylinder brake lines I replaced over the years were all in my mind. Let alone the damage in the hybrid brake system with pumps.

Have you done it on Ford hybrids or a Maverick hybrid before?

Ford's documentation says to attach a pressure tube to the brake system and cycle it with their software.

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