Brake fluid testers

[Robs08Runner]

Anybody have experience with those handy dandy battery operated brake fluid testers that test for water in the system? Both of my cars tested fine. Was wondering how much faith to put into it. Tested a cup full of water and it did pick that up fine.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Hmm... Never heard of that before. Did you try mixing half brake fluid and half water to see how it works?

 

[V8Man]

I haven't done this with brake fluid and I don't know if it will work but it's worth trying. The easyist way to test for the presence of water in oil is to do the crackle test. All you need is a hot metal surface that is just over 300 degrees. An exhaust manifold works or a hot plate. Take a drop of the oil to be tested and drop it on the hot surface. If the sample has any water in it, it will crackle. Making little pops and bubbles as the water boils. Oil only smokes, no noise no bubbles.

 

[Robs08Runner]

Hmm... Never heard of that before. Did you try mixing half brake fluid and half water to see how it works?

Not yet. I thought I might if there was some in the basement. I know 100% water works though. Lol
Here it is. Amazon had a sale. There's also some Utube videos on this thing.

 

[Robs08Runner]

I haven't done this with brake fluid and I don't know if it will work but it's worth trying. The easyist way to test for the presence of water in oil is to do the crackle test. All you need is a hot metal surface that is just over 300 degrees. An exhaust manifold works or a hot plate. Take a drop of the oil to be tested and drop it on the hot surface. If the sample has any water in it, it will crackle. Making little pops and bubbles as the water boils. Oil only smokes, no noise no bubbles.[/QUOTE

Very Interesting read! I learn something every day!

 

[Dpassmore]

Dealerships use test strips and many parts stores sell them cheap.

 

[Brian3676]

We used to use them a lot at the subaru dealership I worked at. Brother in law also uses then at Honda as a service writer to help sell brake flushes. Just stick it in a brand new can of fluid every so often to be sure it's accurate.

 

[emoore924]

We use the battery-operated moisture testers all the time at the race track during tech inspection. Anything more than 1% is a fail.

Besides, there's nothing quite like boiling your brake fluid just before the end of the longest straight...

 

[Robs08Runner]

Ouch, I agree, not the best idea.
I tried a test with straight fluid and another with a fluid and water mix. Seems to work fine. I've decided that I'm a fan if this little gadget. Not a bad little purchase if ya can get it shipped free like I did.

 

[shahsmerdis]

I thought brake fluid doesn't circulate.

so if you have moisture in the lines, near the calipers especially you won't see it.

I thought that was the down fall with the test?

 

[wc11]

I know a few guys in the Porsche club that use them and they say they work fine.
Having said that, interesting how it wasn't until recently that many car companies are recommending complete brake fluid changes.

 

[Robs08Runner]

I think it's good to do every now and then. Possibly every other brake change. Saw one of those car shows that had to replace the abs pump "supposedly" because of old fluid. Im thinking that abs systems are much better off with clean fluid.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I think it's good to do every now and then. Possibly every other brake change. Saw one of those car shows that had to replace the abs pump "supposedly" because of old fluid. Im thinking that abs systems are much better off with clean fluid.

The moisture can create problems, particularly if it is boiling out some and creating compressible gases; not to mention corrosion.