Flushing Brake Fluid...Not Recommended?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 57
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From: Virginia
Flushing Brake Fluid...Not Recommended?
I had my '95 LS400 serviced because the brake fluid needed changing (pretty dark and nasty). I asked my local dealer to flush the fluid, but they said that they don't ever flush brake fluid. They said the risk of dirt and air entering the system is too great, so they never flush brake fluid on any car. I believe all they did was sucked the fluid out of the master cylinder and replace that...which is better than nothing.
The weird thing is that most other manufactuers recommend full brake fluid replacement every 2 years or so (my MB manual requires the fluid to be replaced every 2 years). Do you guys have any explaination as to why my dealer wouldn't flush? Is this normal for every Lexus dealership? Is the risk of dirt/air entry THAT great as to never recommend brake fluid flush?
Thanks for any input!
The weird thing is that most other manufactuers recommend full brake fluid replacement every 2 years or so (my MB manual requires the fluid to be replaced every 2 years). Do you guys have any explaination as to why my dealer wouldn't flush? Is this normal for every Lexus dealership? Is the risk of dirt/air entry THAT great as to never recommend brake fluid flush?
Thanks for any input!
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 57
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From: Virginia
I wanted the fluid flushed, but I found it odd that the dealership (!) said they never flush it. Mind you it would have been a cash expense for me...and I'm sure they would charge a lot more than they did for just replacing the fluid in the reservior. They obviously didn't want more of my money...which leads me to believe they have a legitimate reason. Everything I've read says otherwise, though.
So no other Lexus dealerships say this?
So no other Lexus dealerships say this?
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 553
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From: SoCal
Re: Flushing Brake Fluid...Not Recommended?
Originally posted by 500amg
They said the risk of dirt and air entering the system is too great, so they never flush brake fluid on any car.
They said the risk of dirt and air entering the system is too great, so they never flush brake fluid on any car.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,084
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From: California
500AMG - Treat yourself as lucky that the dealer recommended against it. Obviously they don't feel comfortable flushing the brake lines. Find someone who is comfortable. With the exception of some new, and expensive, brake fluids, all the brake fluids will pick up water, much to the entire systems detriment. Don't waste your time with those guys, you will find some more competent people who will know exactly what you want and why and will likely support your decision wholeheartedly - if the fluid is discolored, it is past time to go.
Before you post that why would the dealer not be agreeable to flushing the system and seeing the value in it just remember there are all sorts of people out there with different competency levels. My wife bought a new GS3 on New Years Eve and we went back to the dealership to pick some things up. In a discussion with the salesman on tires, he was convinced that the GS4 comes stock with 17 inch wheels. I told him to go look at my GS4 outside. Just don't expect everyone at a dealership to be competent. If they don't feel confident in their ability to flush your brake system and do it right, then they shouldn't do it. Life is too short ot figure out why, just go find someone more competent.
Before you post that why would the dealer not be agreeable to flushing the system and seeing the value in it just remember there are all sorts of people out there with different competency levels. My wife bought a new GS3 on New Years Eve and we went back to the dealership to pick some things up. In a discussion with the salesman on tires, he was convinced that the GS4 comes stock with 17 inch wheels. I told him to go look at my GS4 outside. Just don't expect everyone at a dealership to be competent. If they don't feel confident in their ability to flush your brake system and do it right, then they shouldn't do it. Life is too short ot figure out why, just go find someone more competent.
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Virginia
If they don't feel confident in their ability to flush your brake system and do it right, then they shouldn't do it. Life is too short ot figure out why, just go find someone more competent
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Driver
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From: Florida
Everything I've read strongly recommends changing the brake fluid around 30,000 miles especially if you have ABS which is the case with our Lexus'. I've just replaced mine in both my LS400 and SC300 with synthetic brake fluid.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,084
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From: California
500AMG - Just so used to people not wanting to admit their limitations, I look to the dark side. But enough of that. If the fluid has discolored, it is time to get it out. Just be prepared that it may have gotten contaminated through a leak in a caliper that drew nice moist air in. Still, I would start with the fluid and go from there. My wife's late dear departed Maxima went through rear brake cylinders on an annual basis and I have no idea why. Inevitably wound up with new fluid after the repair.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: International
What a bunch of BS from your dealer.
My dealer UP (I live in Mexico City) in San Antonio demands I change the brake fluid every time I bring in the car (I do not, but at least they care, maybe just $).
You really only risk the contamination if you are using regular DOT 3 Toyota or other fluid. When I came to Mexico, I switched to DOT 4 Bendix with good results. Yet, the fluid still became discolored, probably from the times I kept putting on the aftermarket front brakes.
My solution? Exactly what stock300 mentioned, synthetic brake fluid.
I have used Valvoline for a few months now (also Power Steering Fluid), and have had great results and the color still stays true. Moreover, my brakes have not worn down at the same rate as before. You can get it at almost any auto store.
My dealer UP (I live in Mexico City) in San Antonio demands I change the brake fluid every time I bring in the car (I do not, but at least they care, maybe just $).
You really only risk the contamination if you are using regular DOT 3 Toyota or other fluid. When I came to Mexico, I switched to DOT 4 Bendix with good results. Yet, the fluid still became discolored, probably from the times I kept putting on the aftermarket front brakes.
My solution? Exactly what stock300 mentioned, synthetic brake fluid.
I have used Valvoline for a few months now (also Power Steering Fluid), and have had great results and the color still stays true. Moreover, my brakes have not worn down at the same rate as before. You can get it at almost any auto store.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 890
Likes: 1
From: WA
Absolutely flush it.
As mentioned, brake fluid is hydrocopic, will absorb moisture. Water is heavier than brake fluid, eventually ends up concentrated in the caliper pistons, where it will boil easily under hard braking and cause fading - and will also cause rust and seized calipers. If done right, the system will not be contaminated - it is important to open the bleed points and push all the old fluid out of the calipers. If you drive the car hard, flush & replace fluid every 15K miles every 30K otherwise.
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: California
Re: Absolutely flush it.
Originally posted by strongsail
As mentioned, brake fluid is hydrocopic, will absorb moisture. Water is heavier than brake fluid, eventually ends up concentrated in the caliper pistons, where it will boil easily under hard braking and cause fading - and will also cause rust and seized calipers. If done right, the system will not be contaminated - it is important to open the bleed points and push all the old fluid out of the calipers. If you drive the car hard, flush & replace fluid every 15K miles every 30K otherwise.
As mentioned, brake fluid is hydrocopic, will absorb moisture. Water is heavier than brake fluid, eventually ends up concentrated in the caliper pistons, where it will boil easily under hard braking and cause fading - and will also cause rust and seized calipers. If done right, the system will not be contaminated - it is important to open the bleed points and push all the old fluid out of the calipers. If you drive the car hard, flush & replace fluid every 15K miles every 30K otherwise.
DD
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: International
One of the other things I could recommend is having the calipers painted. Someone on the RX board not to long ago had some pretty pictures of his handiwork. I used a DuPont black, and it has held.