How long can brake fluid sit in the can?

[KFC911]

I usually read a thread title and post random stuff

Need to check the fluid in my 911... been sitting for years and if I don't need to open the "system" ... I won't...

Thanks!

The fluid in my ancient F150 is probably original ... I haven't changed it ...

Many don't ... it is true

[GH85Carrera]

For my 911 I change the brake fluid every single spring, no exceptions for the last 30 years. I use the ATE fluid. I don't use much over half the can, and I keep the open can on the shelf in case I need to add some due to pad wear. The can is capped tightly.

When it is the next spring, U se the old can as the place to put the old fluid, and take that to the hazardous wast disposal site along with whatever stuff I have accumulated that should not go in the trash.

I have checked the fluid moisture, and it is usually just zero or minimal moisture. For the El Camino I go two years, and there is some moisture in the vehicle reservoir. I use the same ATE 200 in both cars, just a fresh can for both, and I write on the can the date and what car it is for.

[Otter74]

Based on testing with a hygrometer, I decided it was time to change the brake fluid in my BMW E12, using ATE 200, and when I checked the fluid in the reservoir with a paper towel, I realized it was ATE Super Blue, which had to have been in there since the powertrain swap and a bunch of other work was done in 2011 or 2012. Yeep! Then, 3/4 through the job, I stripped the bleeder screw threads on the right front caliper so it's taking a lot longer than expected.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Otter74

Based on testing with a hygrometer, I decided it was time to change the brake fluid in my BMW E12, using ATE 200, and when I checked the fluid in the reservoir with a paper towel, I realized it was ATE Super Blue, which had to have been in there since the powertrain swap and a bunch of other work was done in 2011 or 2012. Yeep! Then, 3/4 through the job, I stripped the bleeder screw threads on the right front caliper so it's taking a lot longer than expected.

It's amazingly easy to strip bleeder screws or calipers, especially if someone in the past has done most of the work for you already. They are tiny screws and people put way too much torque on them in an effort to make sure that they're closed completely. You need to be really careful. Do you just need a new bleeder screw or is it the caliper?

[Tobra]

I like to have some spare bleeder screws around if I am going to bleed brakes. Beats trying to go get them in the middle of the job.

[KFC911]

Is a $25 tester better than a cheaper one ... pen type or ???.

Gonna stop by a FLAP later... unless one brand is better.

[javadog]

Ever boil the fluid in a brake system even once, you won't want to do it again...

On bikes, by the time I've flushed the fluid out of the two front calipers, the rear brake system and the clutch (if hydraulic) there isn't usually a lot leftover.

[KFC911]

I have "old, fresh" Super Blue in the 930 brake/system on my Carrera ... inquiring minds...

They're not boiling anytime soon .... overkill ... yeah they are that... just because .

[speeder]

Originally Posted by KFC911

Is a $25 tester better than a cheaper one ... pen type or ???.

Gonna stop by a FLAP later... unless one brand is better.

Here's the one I bought last year and it's gotten cheaper!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ8Z4BP9?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1

[speeder]

Originally Posted by javadog

Ever boil the fluid in a brake system even once, you won't want to do it again...

On bikes, by the time I've flushed the fluid out of the two front calipers, the rear brake system and the clutch (if hydraulic) there isn't usually a lot leftover.

I don't want to do it the first time. Remember the video posted here a while ago about the guy with the 1000hp drag car going for a ride on the street but he didn't bother to fix the 2k rpm idle and he boiled the brake fluid within 5 minutes and rear-ended the ***** out of a car stopped at a light?

The car had been sitting for eons without brakes being serviced and he got it fired up and just pulled out of the garage with it. I think it was a Mercury Comet. Yeah, that was what it was.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by speeder

Here's the one I bought last year and it's gotten cheaper!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ8Z4BP9?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Link doesn't work so here is a screen shot:

[javadog]

Originally Posted by speeder

I don't want to do it the first time. Remember the video posted here a while ago about the guy with the 1000hp drag car going for a ride on the street but he didn't bother to fix the 2k rpm idle and he boiled the brake fluid within 5 minutes and rear-ended the ***** out of a car stopped at a light?

The car had been sitting for eons without brakes being serviced and he got it fired up and just pulled out of the garage with it. I think it was a Mercury Comet. Yeah, that was what it was.

I remember the in-car video, but I didn’t ever know the backstory.

What a dumbass.

[Baz]

I'm not an expert, but have done a bit of work with brake fluid over the years including hydraulic work on my Honda Interceptors and of course on the cars. These Interceptors have a hydraulic clutch so I've had to rebuild many a master and slave cylinder on those as well. Seen some nasty nasty stuff!

I'm in the middle of changing the brake fluid reservoir on the tub right now, in fact. I already bought a set of new bleeders ahead of the job so will change those out as well while I'm in there.








Hows this for a pretty m/c? NOS for a Honda.



Note the instructions......

[speeder]

They always say that, they need to indemnify themselves from some dummy putting fluid that’s half water in it. Technically speaking, a container that has been opened and then had the cap screwed back on tightly is a sealed container.