How often to replace brake fluid?

I do my gear oil every 3 years which represents about 3000 miles and no track use. I last did the brake fluid 3 years ago so I'm a bad boy! Should be two. With speed bleeders it only takes about 15 minutes for all 4 wheels.


Ken

 

I didn’t mean as a substitute for Bleeding but something that can be done in between without any tools or require much mechanical skills for someone that just likes to do a little extra. Absolutely drain the reservoir and put in fresh stuff before you bleed them. No sense bleeding the same cruddy brake fluid through your system unless you are at the track and just want to get some air out between sessions and the fluid in the reservoir is already fresh.

On cars with ABS make sure you know the proper bleeding procedure for the specific vehicle. You may be exposing yourself to very high pressures even with the ignition off. At a bare minimum disconnect the neg battery terminal.

Also, When you are changing pads never force brake fluid backwards through the lines by pushing the pistons in without opening the bleeder on the caliper on a car with ABS. Could cost you a very expensive ABS pump

 

Go stand in the corner for 15 minutes, then write down "I will change my brake fluid every 2 years like a good boy" 200 times! LOL!

 

Either wrong type, or too old....either case, get new ones, now. Just ask for brake hose set, I believe they come ready to snap in the calipers, made to factory spec. Never heard of just brake line hose material, cuz they are crimped onto the machined end fittings.

 

I change my before every track event too...

 

Well, for that then, you get a lollipop!!! LOL!!

 

There are pluses and minuses to most things. I use DOT 5 in my motorcycle and VW - for several years now - and so far nothing bad, scary, nor unpredictable has happened. Granted, I wouldn't consider this period of time long term but... More info here: http://www.icbm.org/erkson/ttt/silicone.htm

 

sounds like a poll for this question
but every year all cars. overkill, but sleeping better.

 

Do you mean a low-pressure hose from the reservoir to the master? If it's "sweating" (leaking) toss it. It's the wrong stuff. Finding brake-fluid rated hose is actually kind of hard; your best bet is probably to get some from a Volkswagen parts counter. For some reason, they seem to stock that stuff (it's usually blue-colored). Fuel line will not work.