My question is...what is the point of a brake flush?
THANKS
2007-08-21 02:19:53 · 6 answers · asked by TXHIMstudent83 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it will absorb water. In a closed system overtime the brake fluid "can" deteriorate to the point it loses it's original properties. This can cause brake components to wear, leak, and or corrode.
A fluid flush will eliminate a lot of problems, but is it really necessary? I don't think so.
Something that will help, and eliminate any need for a "flush" is to use a turkey baster and suck out all the fluid in the master cylinder, then refill with fresh DOT 3 every six months or so. That will work as well as a periodic flush. Don't push the brake pedal while doing this, and all will be well!
2007-08-21 02:36:06 · answer #1 · answered by br549 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Historically moisture eventually enters the master cylinder and or rubber O rings around the wheel cylinders and caliper pistons. It homogenizes perfectly with brake fluid. All aluminum or cast iron disc brake calipers, wheel cylinders eventually rust and corrode from the inside out causing the pistons in the calipers and wheel cylinders to stick or completely freeze open or closed.
In the end if this happens you may wind up needing a replacement caliper or wheel cylinder.
I performed a brake job on a car recently where the rear caliper appeared to be frozen as it would not clamp the pads to the disc during a rack test. Upon closer inspection I removed the brake hose and discovered that no brake fluid was getting to the rear caliper. After removing the brake line we discovered the brake hose was plugged with a foreign substance. The fluid was being pumped through the line in fine shape.
The moral of the story is this: Flushing brake fluid is a very good idea once every 6 - 8 years especially in northern climates where we have a lot of heat and humidity differentials. Out west where it's hot and dry brake fluid moistore is not such a big problem. Personally, I think it's a bit early to have this service done on your car. It will not hurt anything but places like Firestone and Goodyear are always pushing for added survices to make a buck. If you decide to go through with it stand within eyesight so that you can actually see with your own eyes the service being performed.
These places are famous for charging services and not performing them.
2007-08-21 09:51:54 · answer #2 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
With a 2003 I don't think you will need a break flush now if you have 100k mikes I would say yes but some of these places tell you that because its easy money for them , Take your car to another place and see if this is the problem and I am sure you will be OK, hope this helps.
2007-08-21 09:27:27 · answer #3 · answered by JT B ford man 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I wish I knew what your symptoms were. Are your brakes mushy? Open the brake fluid reservoir and look at the fluid. Is it milky? If so, you need to flush the system, if not, you don't.
If you need a system flush you can do it yourself, with a partner, but find someone who has done it before.
Any directions given here are oversimplified.
2007-08-21 09:33:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
the point is for firestone to make money...." and while its here lets do a tranny flush 200 dollars change power steering 75 dollars and flush engine 95 dollars"....have them freshen the air in the tires too!
2007-08-21 09:29:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Break fluid gets old. It is one oil product that will mix with water. You can do it yourself if you are a shade tree type person. Just make sure that reservoir is always full while doing it.
Go to all four wheels and take them off and bleed the breaks until clear new fluid flows out of each valve.
2007-08-21 09:27:15 · answer #6 · answered by Jody D 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋