8 Month Brake Fluid

[message]

Did a brake fluid flush about 8 months ago when I installed new pads and new front calipers. Noticed today the fluid that has looked new for some time has quickly turned brownish/red in color. I'm assuming the flush stirred stuff up thus the dirty fluid?
What are the rest of you using and should the fluid color be turning this quick? I should note I flushed with Valvoline synthetic DOT 3/4 fluid.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I would flush it again.

 

[fourwd1]

Since brake fluid does not circulate, usually the fluid in the MC reservoir looks fine while the fluid in the lines could be crap. If the fluid in the reservoir looks bad, flush it.

 

[truc.karl]

Have you checked if the reservoir cap air tight? Or try to use other brake fluid and see if you have the same problem.

 

[jmm3807]

So I was gravity bleeding mine today for the first time and noticed that below the brake fluid cap there is only a small gap to suck the old fluid out of the reservoir so a turkey baster doesn't work for that. You basically have to get a syringe with a very small tube to suck the fluid out. Anyone else have this problem?

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I have never done this. I always bleed/flush through the calipers.

 

[message]

Reservoir cap is fine. Given the brake system has a pump assist that you can clearly hear running when you hit the brakes sometimes I'm wondering if the new fluid cleaned out the pump internals?
As noted above I used valvoline synthetic. Fluid which was the only synthetic at the parts store at the time. Course isn't all brake fluid synthetic?
Will be doing another flush here soon.

 

[TheeMikeB]

Speed bleeders are your friend.

 

[fourwd1]

I've been using Castrol LMA for a long time, and a Motive power bleeder so I don't need someone to pump the pedal.

 

[mikebontoft]

you should find out what the fluid moisture content is. look for a brake fluid moisture tester.

The procedure at work is to suck the reservoir dry and hook up the machine. it just has a pressure regulator and an electric pump that fills the reservoir with clean fluid and puts about 10-20psi on the system.

discolored fluid is caused by the breakdown of rubber in the hoses and piston seals etc.