Fluids

In response to the many requests for this file, I will try to put some information in here. The first item in automotive fluids that comes to mind with most people is engine oil. One that almost no one ever considers for very long is brake fluid.

Brake fluid has the ability to absorb moisture from wherever it might come in contact with or close proximity to it. Since about 1968 most manufacturers have provided a sealed hydraulic system because of this. However, moisture still finds it's way into brake hydraulic systems, and is absorbed by the brake fluid until it reaches it's capacity, whatever that might be. When it does reach that capacity, the brake fluid takes on a dark color. The darker, the more moisture it contains, and the more damage can be done to increasingly expensive brake components.

With the recent advent of antilock brakes, manufacturers are now recommending brake fluid changes, some on a yearly basis. Most people would regard such action as a pretty minor detail, and not bother with it. When you consider that some of the antilock brake master cylinders cost as much as $1800, it seems that something ought to be done along these lines after all.

Some experts claim that it is impossible to completely flush all the old brake fluid and contaminants out of the system without disassembling all the components. This may be true, but most of it will come out if a system is merely bled at all the available points until clear appearing fluid emerges. Or even easier, just drain the master cylinder reservoir with a suction device, perhaps every time the engine oil is changed, and refill it with new fluid. As the new fluid mixes with the old, the moisture and any chemical degradation would be diluted over time.

Antifreeze has chemical additives to combat corrosion of expensive engine components. These chemicals get used up over time and the antifreeze should be replaced, probably every 2 years would be a good timetable. A new developement in the antifreeze field is machines that recycle old antifreeze by filtering out dirt, etc., and replacing the chemical additives. This may not be much of a monetary saving, but it does make sense not to throw away something that is still good.

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Updated Wed 11-02-2005 7:17:38 pm