how often brake fluid flush?

Post by **Rtraveler** » Sat Sep 19, 2020 2:24 pm

I know the manual says every 12 months but I've heard that once every three years is fine. What do you all recommend? I have a 2012 Sentra.

Post by **PapaSmurf2k3** » Sat Sep 19, 2020 6:14 pm

If you're just doing regular every day driving and don't ever crack the system open, its common to see 10+ years.

If you're racing the car and it gets hot/boils, you'll want to do it pretty quickly after that, and upgrade fluid while you're at it.

YouTube · Post by **outThere** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 9:46 pm

i have never flushed the brake system on any car i have had. I do though when doing a brake job bleed each wheel extra , watching the reservoir to keep filling.

Post by **AZhitman** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:07 pm

I'm going to disagree with the two esteemed gentlemen above.

Because brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), over time the moisture can cause internal corrosion in lines, caliper piston bores, master cylinder and other components. With extreme neglect, brake pedal feel can be affected, as can heat dissipation in repeated stops.

If you live in a humid / wet environment, I'd say 3 years is safe.

Post by **PapaSmurf2k3** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:53 pm

^agreed, but the system should be sealed, and therefore not absorbing moisture.
But yeah, if you find a cracked reservoir cap or some other way for moisture/air to get in, you'll want to repair it and get fresh fluid in there.

Post by **Rtraveler** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:15 am

both times I've flushed the brake fluid, I have noticed that the old stuff (3-5 years old) was brown and the new stuff is like a light yellow. So it seems to get dirty over time.

Post by **AZhitman** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:46 am

"Sealed" is a relative term, but BMC reservoir lids aren't airtight. That "brown stuff" is rust and oxidation suspended in the fluid.

Post by **Rtraveler** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:25 am

Here’s a pic. The left has new brake fluid and the right has the old stuff. I think it was even darker. I would take some fluid out and put it in the water bottle. Put the old stuff in a gallon container than pump some more and put it in the water bottle. As I would keep pumping, the fluid would get clearer.

Post by **Forkster** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 11:29 am

You can get yourself a decent brake fluid tester and let the meter decide when to change. I purchased a fairly robust tester and I've now held off replacing brake fluid on a couple of my machines. (Motorcycles, trucks, cars, UTV's)

A mechanic instructor at our college recommended the tester to me. That said however, if not replacing your brake fluid voids your warranty - that's a different issue.

Post by **VStar650CL** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 12:14 pm

AZhitman wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:46 am
"Sealed" is a relative term, but BMC reservoir lids aren't airtight. That "brown stuff" is rust and oxidation suspended in the fluid.

Dead right, water and rust. When it's dark brown it's past time to flush. Coffee brown and you'll likely be sorry.

how often brake fluid flush?

how often brake fluid flush?

Re: how often brake fluid flush?

Re: how often brake fluid flush?

Re: how often brake fluid flush?

Re: how often brake fluid flush?

Re: how often brake fluid flush?

Re: how often brake fluid flush?

Re: how often brake fluid flush?

Re: how often brake fluid flush?

Re: how often brake fluid flush?

Nissan Forums

Infiniti Forums

Datsun Forums

Technical Forums

Classifieds / Marketplace

Nissan Motorsports

General Forums