LS430Lexus

"02 430 w/ 53k. The brake fluid was changed at 30k but started to look dark grey at over 50k. I had it changed at a dealer (cold outside, just had knee surgery and I can never seem to get all of the air out of the lines) a few weeks ago. It is beginning to look grey again. I have seen this in pictures of other LS430s. Is it normal or a sign of a contaminated system? Thanks.

lex2001

Mine looks amber. Maybe different brands change color as they are used? I just changed my son's oil and used Castrol. It was more clear than the normal golden color we see in oils. Any idea what brand brake fluid was used?

Jabberwock

edit as this post was in error - thought the OP was asking about PS fluid

jimbosr1

i wouldnt put dextron transmission fluid in my brake fluid.op is asking about brake fluid.

svlexus

Dont do it!

Jabberwock

Good catch - very sorry, my mistake, some days I can't read - thought it was the proverbial post about dark PS fluid. Despite my previous post DO NOT PUT Dextron 3 OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID IN YOUR BRAKE SYSTEM. Brake fluid is required in the brake system per the Lexus manual.

LS430Lexus

To be clear, I am asking about brake fluid (not transmission, ps or other fluids). Since it was changed at the Lexus dealer, I presume the proper fluid was used. Again, is fresh brake fluid that begins to turn grey a problem?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Can you snap us a pic, speaks volumes in helping. Many of these lighter fluids do change in appearance and some quite quickly.

My thought if it is gray and cloudy, the reservoir cap is not sealing well allowing moisture to pass and contaminating the fluid. Check for cracks in the cap and seal on the current one. Given your location and winter conditions, that is my suspicion.

Jabberwock

Brake fluid should always be clear to very,very light golden in color when it is in good shape. Any darkening towards brown or changing to any other colors means its likely contaminated with water or some other substance. Dark grey looking brake fluid is not right, take it in and have them check brake system and change the fluid.

jac430

This is how the brake fluid reservoir of my 2004 LS430 looks:



Hope this helps.

Jac

RA40

iTrader: (6)

^ that is about how it should be.
The fluid in mine is similar in appearance.

danxp

btw, don't use lighter fluid either

damon

Car is not here currently so I cannot access the manual. What is the capacity of Brake Fluid system? Pretty sure mine is original from 2001 and needs to be changed.