Brake Fluid

[blue_can]

Is there a service schedule for changing brake fluid. I cannot see anything in the service schedule.

[Raven]

There is no set schedule. Every five years or so it's a good idea to do a flush with fresh fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, it absorbs water from the air slowly over time and will eventually start causing corrosion of the brake lines etc. The boiling point gradually gets reduced as well.

[star_deceiver]

If you do your own brake job, it's easy to flush the fluid. Even easier if you have a second person to help you! Open the bleed valves and pump away at the brake pedal while your helper tops up the fliud. When the lines run clear, you're done!

[blue_can]

Okay thanks - I guess I was wondering what other did in the absence of a schedule in the manual. I've changed brake fluid many tiimes on other cars - I have that Mityvac tool wth a vacuum gauge that has adpaters you can use to suction fluid out of each of four bake lines. I suppose i could invest in a brake fluid tester - there must be a few good ones on ebay from dealerships closing down.

[LeatherVibe]

I also have the vacuum tool to suck out the fluid - what a waste of time and money. It takes too long, you mainly suck air past the threads of the valve, and you also have to keep disconnecting and draining the collector jar which is a messy PITA. I finally just did what I've listed below.You can do it yourself with some cheap clear tubing from the hardware store. Attach the tubing to the bleeder valve and wick it up (bungee, wire or through the spring) several inches then back down again into a jar. Open the valve about 1/4 to 1/2 turn.Turn on the car and give about 3 pumps. Top off the reservoir and 3 pumps again until the orange fluid goes clear.Do this for each corner, I used almost a full large size container.Buy some good fluid, don't save a buck on the Walmart brand. Get Prestone, Castrol, or some other name brand.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by LeatherVibe »I also have the vacuum tool to suck out the fluid - what a waste of time and money. It takes too long, you mainly suck air past the threads of the valve, and you also have to keep disconnecting and draining the collector jar which is a messy PITA. I finally just did what I've listed below.You can do it yourself with some cheap clear tubing from the hardware store. Attach the tubing to the bleeder valve and wick it up (bungee, wire or through the spring) several inches then back down again into a jar. Open the valve about 1/4 to 1/2 turn.Turn on the car and give about 3 pumps. Top off the reservoir and 3 pumps again until the orange fluid goes clear.Do this for each corner, I used almost a full large size container.Buy some good fluid, don't save a buck on the Walmart brand. Get Prestone, Castrol, or some other name brand. I do the very same thing, it's easy... I like Valvoline Synpower or something like that.., it's in a tan bottle, it's compatible, but a DOT 4-5 fluid so it last longer workes better and has a higher boiling point..

[vintagegz]

I know it is overkill, but do mine every 2 years on all vehicles. BMW requires it, so do many imports.