2006 Ody: Brake flush?

[matt1037]

I'm a newbie, so be gentle...

My basic questions is: How important is it to have the brake fluid flushed every three years? I know it says it in the owner's manual, but I have NEVER heard of this before. Any insight is appreciated.


Thanks.

Matt

[badbrakes]

It is important. The manual may say 3 years but myself, I like replacing every 2 years. Brake fluid degrades over time (think it absorbs water) and loses its properties. It actually gets darker over time. So you should replace. If you're reasonable handy, you can do it yourself... will cost you about 10 $ worth of fluid. However if you're unsure, take it in and get it done. Probably around the 100$ mark at the dealership.

[matt1037]

Thanks for the information. If I do it myself, is it just a matter of sucking the fluid out of the master cylinder, or do I need to bleed the brakes to "get it all" and completely change the fluid?

Thanks.

Matt

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by matt1037

Thanks for the information. If I do it myself, is it just a matter of sucking the fluid out of the master cylinder, or do I need to bleed the brakes to "get it all" and completely change the fluid?

Thanks.

Matt

You should do both.
You may be able to suck the fluid out of the MC with a turkey baster or something similar. Then fill the MC with fresh fluid and bleed the brakes (rear ones first) until fresh fluid comes out.

[badbrakes]

it's not very complicated to do yourself but remember the aim is to entirely replace the fluid with new one and not introduce any air in the system. Whether you try emptying the MC first or not, probably doesn't make much of a difference. The MC may contain 300 to 500 mls of brake fluid (i.e. 5$ worth of it)... myself I just pour new brake fluid in and keep pumping untill I get 2 to 3 bottles of brake fluid through the system.... then I'm sure all old has been flushed out and only new fluid in the system. Maybe I could save 4$ by emptying the MC first but I don't bother. Make sure you don't let any air in at wheels either... have a hose go straight from caliper plugs to a container already filled with brake fluid.

[vids1386]

For preventative maintenance,we have to change the brake fluid every one or two year.This is because,brake fluid starts to absorb moisture from the moment fluid is in the system.Exposure to the air causes such type of problem.