Brake Fluid Flush

2 years is pretty standard recommendation for any street car. Don't know how many people follow it though.

 

Totally legitimate to change the brake fluid every 2 years. Brake fluid absorbs water so changing it is cheap preventative maintenance to avoid corrosion in the brake system as well as decreased performance due to moisture in the fluid.

 

So, what do they want to change the fluid? Just curious.

 

Ouch. They just can't do anything reasonable, can they.

 

$225 USD ... Sounds like their labor rate is in the $180/hr range, with a 200% markup on brake fluid. Plus tax. So.... not exactly crazy, for a dealership.

If you're competent to do this yourself, the cost will be around $12.

 

Bring it to my house, we can do it together as a day project and I’ll do it for free but you have to buy the brake fluid.

 

Every two years is overkill, for an Abs system that might make sense, or when you race. But for the non abs normal use car you could do every four years and be fine. You can get a brake fluid moisture detector on amazon, and actually check for any sign of moisture in the fluid if you want to put a bit of science to the fluid change interval.

 

Ha! I do mine ever year with my oil changes. It cheap and easy (and I'm probably neurotic).

OP: The hardest part is just getting the wheels off the ground. I use the Motiv pressure bleeder tool, but there are other ways to do it.

 

It's not a Ferrari-specific service BTW. An Indy shop might be half that price.

 

What DOT fluid type is recommended?

 

I do use a moisture tester and 2 years is not over kill. In some ares every year is better.

 

At the time DOT 3 but I never consider not using a DOT4 or DOT4+.

 

This what I use the ATE Blue works great and they also have the Amber like color. It’s good to switch Back and forth between these two colors as it will easily let you know when it’s fully flush by when the color change while bleeding.

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I try to do it every oil change. Cost less than $10 US. DOT3. I can do it without taking the wheels off or jacking up the car. It's pretty cheap insurance compared to a new master cylinder or rebuilding brake calipers.

 

I do mine every 2 years, use ATE 4 in the blue can. Cheap insurance. What it looks like when you let it go too long.
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I use Cartel silicone brake fluid on all my cars/bikes without ABS. Does not absorb moisture so sealed for life.
///TRS

 

DOT 5 (silicone based) isn't the recommended fluid for a 308/328. And also isn't compatible with 3/4, so don't try mixing them either.

 

No mixing, good flush. Used Cartel for first time in early 80:s after renovating brakes on my -65 Austin Cooper S. Have not needed to touch the hydraulic system since.
///TRS

 

Agreed. If DOT3 or 4 is properly flushed before use DOT 5 fluid works very well and has much longer service intervals. You can run into real problems if you mix the two fluids. The other advantage of DOT 5 is that it does not damage paint if spilled. There is a ton of misinformation out there on DOT5 so you want to verify the quality of your source before taking anyone's advice. I did a ton of research on DOT 5 and am happy to run it in my cars.

 

What is the proper way to flush prior to using DOT 5. The no mix warnings have always kept me a way.