I had my brake system flushed when I had the front brakes of my '99 Chrysler Sebring Convertible replaced at Midas in the summer of 2005; the car was then at 81k miles. Approximately 7 months (and 5,000 miles) later, I had some work done at the Chrysler dealer and they said my brake fluid was filthy and needed to be replaced. I thought they were trying to rip me off, since I had just had that service done. Then today when I took my car to a reputable mechanic/service shop (not dealer-affiliated) for my somewhat overdue 90k service, they also told me my brake fluid was filthy and needed to be flushed.
I am planning on taking the car back to Midas to have them inspect and flush the system again if needed (hopefully for free), but am trying to figure out if there could be any other reason or problem with the car that would cause the brake fluid to get so dirty in such a relatively short period of time. Suggestions? Is there anything else I should be aware of??
THANKS!!
2007-05-09 10:06:54 · 6 answers · asked by socalsunshine 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Check your seals for leaks (was the fluid low) check the gasket and cap on the reservoir , possible moisture contamination of fluid lines rusted leave near ocean? Possibly your system will need mutiple flush , I change mine everytime I do any brake work, ussually always dark
2007-05-09 10:18:07 · answer #1 · answered by Hey Moe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The issue here is brake fluid doesn't circulate, what is in the reservoir stays in there. unless it runs out or the cap was missing. Sometimes if the master cylinder is failing you can getdebris in the res. but that is rare. Ask the shop why it is getting dirty. I've been doing this for 26 years and I cant think of anytime I had to flush the brake system unless I replaced parts.
I would definatley say the first shop ripped you off. sorry that the no good shop did that
2007-05-09 17:20:51 · answer #2 · answered by Uncle Red 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The first place probably didn't flush it right. The thing that makes brake fluid look dirty is mostly the moisture it absorbs.
Anybody who says he's never changed the brake fluid on a 300,000 mile old car is not a mechanic and is probably lying about the mileage.
2007-05-09 20:09:35 · answer #3 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a car with 350,000 miles on it. Its a 78 chevy pick up. I have never changed the brake fluid. I was an ASE certified master tech and I never recommended to anyone that they change their brake fluid. Can you? Of course you can. Do you have to that often, of course you dont.
2007-05-09 17:18:45 · answer #4 · answered by zebj25 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The first joint ripped you off. They never changed you brake fluid. Although I have never heard of filthy brake fluid.
2007-05-09 17:13:31 · answer #5 · answered by oneradartwo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
break fluid is corrosive and your system is getting old so it will get dirty faster then a new car
2007-05-09 17:30:45 · answer #6 · answered by eecco28613 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋