I bought a used car and am replacing most of the fluids but don%26#039;t know if the break fluid needs changing its right at the max so it is not leaking but does it ever get too old if so how do you tell i herd it can change color but what color is it supposed to be and what is a bad color|||every 2 yrs wether it needs it or not.about every other brake job(front brakes,non metallic type).yeah the smell gets funky, it gets dark etc. remember in any hydraulic system there has to be an air exchange,or supply will get slow, and it will pull air for exchange from weak link when not under pressure, but in a vac situation.it is a clear fluid, that is what you look for when changing it, clear.it will feal smooth on your hands, instead of being brown and slightly gritty like wet fingers with a light coat of talc.|||it should be clear if its brown change it|||I agree with Chris- new brake fluid is clear.
However, when it turns brown, it may not necessarily need to be changed.
Changing brake fluid really isn%26#039;t on a mechanic%26#039;s or service shop%26#039;s list of regular maintenance- only change brake fluid when there is a problem, or major brake parts are replaced.
Changing brake fluid requires two people, and need to be bled from every caliper (on each wheel). Refilling the systems requires a proper bleeding procedure to remove any bit of air in the system.
I%26#039;d just add when needed.|||the next time you break a brake line it will get changed by bleeding the brakes ...other than that you may never have to change it for 10 years or more .... maybe never ....just as long as you dont mix any other type of oil with it . DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT !|||every 3 or 4 years.
Brake fluid picks up moisture through the neoprene flex lines and contaminates the master cylinder and the calipers and wheel cylinders. The newer Prestone synthetic Dot 3 or 4 works great and has a higher boiling point than regular fluid and stays cleaner longer. Most people have the misconception that brake fluid does not need to be changed regularly just as they do about not changing engine coolant. Dirty fluid can lead to very expensive repairs/replacement of calipers and master cylinders when $10 and an 1-1/2 hours time can prevent that.|||its a lite tan color when new, if it looks dark its fine , but if it is black , or really dark brown its in need of a flush|||Read the owner%26#039;s manual, in general. All brake fluids require changing since they all absorb moisture over time. Believe me when I tell you that the safest thing to do is to use the factory fluid from your car-makers dealership. THe esters used in various fluids are NOT compatible and can cause trouble. When the fluid gets dark, it%26#039;s due for changing. European cars use brake fluid based upon a synthetic vegetable oil, e.g. Generic fluids used at quicky lubes can cause trouble, as can the universal fluids found at most car part stores. Mixing these together may cause rubber rot in seals.
