[natesi]

My 2016 F30 is at 35K miles. I just did an oil change on it -- and when resetting the oil change interval I noticed the computer is saying that I'm due for ANOTHER brake fluid flush in 1000 miles?!

I ALREADY had a flush done around 22K miles and the fluid looks BRAND NEW to me.

I'm all about maintenance, but this seems like extreme over kill.

What's the deal?

[davidr3]

Fluid is based off of time as opposed to mileage. 2 years is the standard but i'd take it a step further and buy a brake fluid tester off amazon. I'd use that to know when my fluid needs to be replaced.

[natesi]

Originally Posted by davidr3

Fluid is based off of time as opposed to mileage. 2 years is the standard but i'd take it a step further and buy a brake fluid tester off amazon. I'd use that to know when my fluid needs to be replaced.

Thanks man. I didn't know such a thing existed.

Do you have a recommendation or two, you might be willing to post?

Thanks!

[chowser51]

I did my brake fluid at 62k when I did the front brakes (rears done at 48k) and the brake fluid tester showed 0% water.

A bottle of brake fluid is $11. I'll do it every two years.

[davidr3]

Originally Posted by natesi

Thanks man. I didn't know such a thing existed.

Do you have a recommendation or two, you might be willing to post?

Thanks!

I'd give this one a try

https://www.amazon.com/Diagnostic-Hy...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Pretty self explanatory and will give you peace of mind

[Billfitz]

This one's good as well, for half the price:
https://www.amazon.com/ITEQ-Liquid-T...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

OP, the reason for the short time based fluid change intervals is that the car can't measure the water content of the brake fluid, so it errs on the side of caution, excessively so. You can measure the water content, so that you don't change it if you don't need it, and perhaps more important know when it does need changing, irrespective of the time interval.

[Desertnate]

Isn't two years the standard recommended interval for DOT 4 brake fluid? From what I remember it's shorter than the DOT 5 (?) found in many American or Japanese cars. Something to do with the supposed, faster water absorption rate.

Only reason I say this is my GTI had the same two year interval, but our non-German family vehicles which use a different grade of brake fluid have much longer intervals.

From a practical standpoint, it seems many hear have already proven the automaker and fluid manufacturer intervals to be overly conservative.

[Billfitz]

Brake fluid changes in absence of testing should be mileage and time based, not just time. I'm 6 years in and my fluid tests at 0% water, but I only have 20k miles on the clock.

[EvenKeel]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Brake fluid changes in absence of testing should be mileage and time based, not just time. I'm 6 years in and my fluid tests at 0% water, but I only have 20k miles on the clock.

Thanks for being one of the most helpful (and knowledgeable) members on this forum. Much appreciated!

[tturedraider]

Just fyi for anyone who’s interested - in the last couple of years BMW changed the recommended change interval to three years.

[upsidedownfunnel]

Originally Posted by chowser51

I did my brake fluid at 62k when I did the front brakes (rears done at 48k) and the brake fluid tester showed 0% water.

A bottle of brake fluid is $11. I'll do it every two years.

It's not necessarily the cost, though. Doing the brakes is kinda like vacuuming the house. No one really wants to do it. That said, I do agree we should just do it every two years, especially if you live in an area with a lot of precipitation or humidity. It's cheap insurance to make sure your brake hardware will last forever.

[328iX]

I agree, it's only realistic if you can change it yourself and only pay $10 out of pocket cost for fluid (assuming you have a tool on hand).

I would not be paying a dealership every 30k/2yrs

[Fliplegend]

My motive bleeder paid for itself on first use. Indy's around me charge $120 for a bleed and the motive was $50 + $12 for Pentosin Dot 4.

[AspektUSA]

Originally Posted by Fliplegend

My motive bleeder paid for itself on first use. Indy's around me charge $120 for a bleed and the motive was $50 + $12 for Pentosin Dot 4.

You don't even need a bleeder, just a bottle with a hole and some 1/4" tubing.

Dot 4 LV every 2 years is the standard of care for all euro makes.

[Fliplegend]

Originally Posted by AspektUSA

You don't even need a bleeder, just a bottle with a hole and some 1/4" tubing.

Your method doesn't require a 2nd person pumping the brake pedal?

[AspektUSA]

Originally Posted by Fliplegend

Your method doesn't require a 2nd person pumping the brake pedal?

2nd person helps, but not necessary so long as the tubing remains submerged in spent brake fluid. All you're doing is pushing out air and old fluid.

[chowser51]

I'm using the motive bleeder as well.
quick and simple. it takes me longer to jack up each corner to get to the brake line.

wish i had a lift.

[Gen13 F36]

I got this old 1998 Nissan Pathfinder long time ago...I don't think I ever flush the brake fluid.... I live in southern california so I didn't think moisture will get in the fluids. I come to remember tho when I change my brakes pads I bleed all corners and add fresh new fluid.

So I'm all in for testing your brake fluid for water and only change it of necessary.

[natesi]

Thanks for the replies, all -- much appreciated.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Brake fluid changes in absence of testing should be mileage and time based, not just time. I'm 6 years in and my fluid tests at 0% water, but I only have 20k miles on the clock.

Bill: what's the trick to removing the screen in the reservoir in order to get the tester tools probes into the fluid?

[Billfitz]

Offhand I don't remember, all I can say is that I manage to do it every spring. I test it in the spring because if water is going to condense in the tank it will do so over the winter.

[E30M CW]

My car's a 2015, and from the factory my first service to flush the brake fluid wasn't until 2018. If brake fluid from the factory is good for 3 years, I don't see why we'd need to change brake fluid any more frequently than that.