Brake Fluid question
Discussion
davek_964 said:
By coincidence, I was discussing my next service with an independent yesterday and was told that the brake fluid is changed every service - I.e annually. Is there a reason yours isn't being done as part of the normal service?
For some reason it seems that the first and third services on a V8 do not include a fluid change (I guess it's not required).
I just spoke to an Aston dealer and discovered Aston have changed the service matrix for the older cars to bring it inline with the newer ones.
So my 10 year service is basically just an oil and filter change - if I want other stuff done (brake fluid, coolant, pollen filter etc) then they have become 'add on options'. 6 months ago, the service would have cost almost twice as much, but included almost twice the work.
So my 10 year service is basically just an oil and filter change - if I want other stuff done (brake fluid, coolant, pollen filter etc) then they have become 'add on options'. 6 months ago, the service would have cost almost twice as much, but included almost twice the work.
That sounds like progress and common sense! I seriously doubt brake fluid needs changing annually in an Aston as my DD is very similar in weight/performance and the same brake fluid lasts 3 years. The 'car' isnt more hygroscopic is it?! But BMW do want to change the 'all important' cabin microfliters at every service at £180 
Wish they would all see their customers more as people rather than turnover prospects!
Wish they would all see their customers more as people rather than turnover prospects!silicone brake fluid isn't compatible with what we use, so if there's any in the system it can turn to gel. it's easily aerated, so you have to be extremely careful about how you fill the system to avoid air getting in. plus it isn't compatible with ABS systems, which is a dealbreaker on its own.
I think brake fluid changing wasn't such a big deal 20 years ago because by the time your brake lines were rusted out the car was ready for the scrap heap anyway.
Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere, whether the car is driven or not. In California or Nevada I might go 4 years between changes, but here in Ireland I wouldn't go more than 2.
Cheers,
Jeff.
Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere, whether the car is driven or not. In California or Nevada I might go 4 years between changes, but here in Ireland I wouldn't go more than 2.
Cheers,
Jeff.
OMG that's mine screwed then.
I had to replace an ABS unit about 2 years ago due to corrosion in the unit caused by water as the fluid had not been changed.
After spending £1300 I decide to go down the silicon route and have not had any problems as yet ( that's probably jinxed it).
I can't see why it would do anything to the ABS the only thing I would think is to attack the seals, but as it said on the bottle it will work with any system that uses DOT4.
Hope this helps a little.
Cheers Simon.
I had to replace an ABS unit about 2 years ago due to corrosion in the unit caused by water as the fluid had not been changed.
After spending £1300 I decide to go down the silicon route and have not had any problems as yet ( that's probably jinxed it).
I can't see why it would do anything to the ABS the only thing I would think is to attack the seals, but as it said on the bottle it will work with any system that uses DOT4.
Hope this helps a little.
Cheers Simon.
yourtheguy said:
OMG that's mine screwed then.
I had to replace an ABS unit about 2 years ago due to corrosion in the unit caused by water as the fluid had not been changed.
After spending £1300 I decide to go down the silicon route and have not had any problems as yet ( that's probably jinxed it).
I can't see why it would do anything to the ABS the only thing I would think is to attack the seals, but as it said on the bottle it will work with any system that uses DOT4.
Hope this helps a little.
Cheers Simon.
Are you sure your not confusing silicon and synthetic here?I had to replace an ABS unit about 2 years ago due to corrosion in the unit caused by water as the fluid had not been changed.
After spending £1300 I decide to go down the silicon route and have not had any problems as yet ( that's probably jinxed it).
I can't see why it would do anything to the ABS the only thing I would think is to attack the seals, but as it said on the bottle it will work with any system that uses DOT4.
Hope this helps a little.
Cheers Simon.
Prattking said:
My DB7 Vantage was converted to Dot5 silicon fluid in November 2014 and had no problems so far. The system has to be flushed through with new fluid as it must be all silicon but evidently silicon does not attract water.
True, so the boiling problem goes away, but since it doesn't absorb water, any water that does get in collects and can cause corrosion in the calipers. It also tends to give a slightly softer pedal. It is great for older collector vehicles that aren't used much, esp motorcycles, since spills won't take paint off.Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff