Brake Fluid Reading Amber - time for a change?

[Noddy 99]

Hello again, chaps.

Just had my gearbox serviced (see separate thread) and while I was there, the mechanics did a courtesy vehicle inspection. Which is nice. Anyway, they've given me an advisory for the brake fluid which reads "amber" status and they’re advising that I get it changed. £65, which is not a wallet-buster.

Took it to a different place to get a quotation on tyres and while I was there, I asked for a quotation on a brake fluid change. He said it won't need changing and the original garage is talking ballochs. He says he's run a taxi firm for years and they don't change the brake fluid on the Mercs until they get to 300,000 miles and up. He could have taken my money but he told me not to bother getting it done.

Soooo what do you guys think? My car has done 93,000 miles with FSH from MB.

Advice appreciated, as always.

 

[Ron240]

The most important thing to know is how long is it since the fluid was last changed?
Most manufacturers recommend a 2 year change cycle, which in most cases will not actually be needed but people get it done regardless because it is a "safety" thing.
It would have been logical for the the second garage to actually test it like the first garage did. The test is quick and easy, and if the same result was given then you have your answer - time to change it.
I have had low mileage cars at up to 4 years old where the brake fluid was still testing like new.

P.S. Just to pre empt replies...yes we all know brake fluid is hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture over time resulting in a decrease of the boiling point which with hard use will cause brake fade. Also brake fluid has built in corrosion inhibitors which will be less effective over time.

 

[Wighty]

Hello again, chaps.

Just had my gearbox serviced (see separate thread) and while I was there, the mechanics did a courtesy vehicle inspection. Which is nice. Anyway, they've given me an advisory for the brake fluid which reads "amber" status and they’re advising that I get it changed. £65, which is not a wallet-buster.

Took it to a different place to get a quotation on tyres and while I was there, I asked for a quotation on a brake fluid change. He said it won't need changing and the original garage is talking ballochs. He says he's run a taxi firm for years and they don't change the brake fluid on the Mercs until they get to 300,000 miles and up. He could have taken my money but he told me not to bother getting it done.

Soooo what do you guys think? My car has done 93,000 miles with FSH from MB.

Advice appreciated, as always.

Every 2-3 years buddy, it’s a cheap garage job and an even cheaper diy job . I did read a while ago that insurance companies are paying attention to it on occasion if it’s obvious that it’s not been done for years and years . Another excuse for them not to pay out as much .

 

[Rory]

You get so used to dealers insisting this and that is 'mandatory' that it feels weird when garages almost refuse to do work.

Had it with daughter's Honda last week, serviced at a garage that's a spin-off from a canned Honda dealer. Last year they noted front pads low (and advised it on MOT). Car has only done 5K due to Covid but I told them to change the pads and discs and the brake fluid, which was last done 3yrs ago.

Got a call mid-afternoon to say there's still 4-5mm on the pads (they look less than that to me) and brake fluid tested middle of the range so no need to do either! I felt miffed as I wanted them doing to get them out of my mind! And they advised on thin front pads again on the MOT!!

 

[mioba]

300k - horse poo.

2-3 years.

Its absorbs water and loses its hydraulic powers.

Any good garage can test it (water content)

Doddle to yourself for a tenner for fluid.

if full mbsh as said, ask your dealer when it was last done. MB are pretty rigid in making sure stuff is done and charging accordingly.

 

[mioba]

If your garage says it doesnt need doing and you want it done, tell them to do it.

 

[Noddy 99]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Yeah, it's got a folder full of history which I'd have to comb through (again). Everything has been done by the book so I'll assume it was done at its recommended time. I'm not really a DIY-er so I never thought of doing the job myself. Would I need axle stands or a ramp?

 

[mioba]

No

 

[EmilysDad]

No

How would you access the bleed nipples then if you're not lifting the car? Surely you wouldn't just swap the fluid in the reservoir?

 

[Wighty]

How would you access the bleed nipples then if you're not lifting the car? Surely you wouldn't just swap the fluid in the reservoir?

Jack up each corner , put a block under something substantial and then bleed each corner . I pretty much do that when I swap from summers to winters

 

[EmilysDad]

Jack up each corner , put a block under something substantial and then bleed each corner . I pretty much do that when I swap from summers to winters

I was wondering how Mioba would do the job with axle stands or ramps

 

[Noddy 99]

I'm looking at videos on YouTube and they're all doing pressure bleeds with specialist gear. Not really my cup of tea. I'm a bit cack-handed and I don't really want to go messing with brakes... :-(

 

[Noddy 99]

Plus I'd get my hands dirty...

 

[EmilysDad]

Plus I'd get my hands dirty...

Not if you wear gloves

 

[mioba]

I was wondering how Mioba would do the job with axle stands or ramps

 

[mioba]

And the car on the pit.

Best spanners I got. No need ti take wheels off.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Every 4 years is fine unless you do big miles in which case the fluid near the seals does tend to get quite contaminated.

At least you’re not running a BMW if you don’t change the fluid every two years a red warning comes up on the dash every time you start the engine with overdue date - must be quite concerning to most - I generally ignore it for a year as the car is only covering <3k miles pa.

The amusing thing is that BMW schedule the first fluid change at 3 years old and from there every 2 - go figure…..

 

[AMGeed]

If you do decide to change the fluid yourself, look out for the bleed nipples shearing off if you are ham fisted or impatient.
Plenty of penetrating fluid and patience required.

 

[Ron240]

The amusing thing is that BMW schedule the first fluid change at 3 years old and from there every 2 - go figure…..

Audi are the same.
It is baffling why factory fluid lasts one year longer than dealer fluid....especially when you consider it is the same fluid and there will always be a time gap from build to first registration.

@Noddy 99
If you need your fluid changing then get the dealer to do it, because £65 is very reasonable.

 

[AMGeed]

@Noddy 99
If you need your fluid changing then get the dealer to do it, because £65 is very reasonable.

I agree. Can be done cheaper as a DIY,but not worth the bother at £65