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

 

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.

 

^1. Brake fluid changing is easy to do with a Motive brake bleeder. Just fill the container, pump the canister to pressurize, open the bleed screws and bleed the calipers.

 

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.

 

True. I own and use a Motive unit only because I replace and bleed brakes so often. For most people, $60 is overkill. The $10 one-man bleeder kits they sell will work great for the simple brake bleed done annually.

 

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.

 

The word you are looking for is HYGROSCOPIC. Not hydroscopic.

 

Thanks for the correction. I've been using hydroscopic for years! I'm a biomechanist not a biochemist

An opinion on the changing frequency / need would be appreciated.

 

I normally flush it whenever i change my pads/ rotors.

 

Why not replace the brake fluid when you feel comfortable?

 

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).

 

It is strange.

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?

 

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!