2 yearly brake fluid change
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2 yearly brake fluid change
Hey guys,
Most cars that I've owned in the past have had a complete brake fluid change about every two years (BMWs). As you all know brake fluid is hydroscopic, so it absorbs water over time. Water ingress will lead to lower braking performance and also internal damage to the braking components.
I've just looked through the service booklet for the 350z and nowhere does it suggests a brake fluid change as part of the maintenance plan.
Does anyone have any experience or views on this?
Thanks in advance
Most cars that I've owned in the past have had a complete brake fluid change about every two years (BMWs). As you all know brake fluid is hydroscopic, so it absorbs water over time. Water ingress will lead to lower braking performance and also internal damage to the braking components.
I've just looked through the service booklet for the 350z and nowhere does it suggests a brake fluid change as part of the maintenance plan.
Does anyone have any experience or views on this?
Thanks in advance
#2
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The frequency of fluid change depends on how the car is used. I autocross and more importantly, track my car, so I flush fluid about every six months. For somebody who was doing spirited mountain-road driving or other severe braking situations, then I might do it annually. For the average driver around town, every two to five years might suffice.
The maintenance guide recommends regular inspection. Obviously, discolored fluid would be a sign that it's time to change it.
As an alternative to regular replacment, you probably should bleed fluid annually to replace what's in the calipers and subjected to the most heat, with something fresh.
The maintenance guide recommends regular inspection. Obviously, discolored fluid would be a sign that it's time to change it.
As an alternative to regular replacment, you probably should bleed fluid annually to replace what's in the calipers and subjected to the most heat, with something fresh.
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Brake fluid intervals
The frequency of fluid change depends on how the car is used. I autocross and more importantly, track my car, so I flush fluid about every six months. For somebody who was doing spirited mountain-road driving or other severe braking situations, then I might do it annually. For the average driver around town, every two to five years might suffice.
The maintenance guide recommends regular inspection. Obviously, discolored fluid would be a sign that it's time to change it.
As an alternative to regular replacment, you probably should bleed fluid annually to replace what's in the calipers and subjected to the most heat, with something fresh.
The maintenance guide recommends regular inspection. Obviously, discolored fluid would be a sign that it's time to change it.
As an alternative to regular replacment, you probably should bleed fluid annually to replace what's in the calipers and subjected to the most heat, with something fresh.
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Whatever you do don't wait as long as I did. I changed my fluid after 5 years and 60k miles, my car is daily driven but was never tracked and the fluid was toast, it was dark and smelled horrible when i finally changed it. The change in pedal feel was amazing.
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I just changed my brake/clutch fluid at 68k and I noticed that the new fluid was much lighter than the fluid it replaced. So yeah definitely changed every 2 years or 30k. I for one will just change it with the 30k major service.
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It just seems strange to me that this is not included, anywhere, in the service schedule. I am getting it changed tomorrow; however, I wanted to raise the issue to get peoples opinions. I'll bet there are some people that never change it and yet aren't happy with their brakes. Incidentally, my brake feel is fine and I'm changing the fluid because of its nature to absorb water over time. I'll see if the pedal feel changes (although I'm not expecting it too).
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It just seems strange to me that this is not included, anywhere, in the service schedule. I am getting it changed tomorrow; however, I wanted to raise the issue to get peoples opinions. I'll bet there are some people that never change it and yet aren't happy with their brakes. Incidentally, my brake feel is fine and I'm changing the fluid because of its nature to absorb water over time. I'll see if the pedal feel changes (although I'm not expecting it too).
I was doing preventive maintenance according to the book. 10,000 miles. 20,000 miles. 30,000 miles. When I got to 40,000 miles I kept wondering where is the brake fluid change?
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I just had this done as part of my 30K service and it only cost $60. There's not that much difference in pedal feel, however I still think it needed changing as it's an 03 and never been done before.
I'm really amazed that it's not in the service schedule!
I'm really amazed that it's not in the service schedule!
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