Z06TWT

I have read many posts which talk about the usable shelf life for brake fluid. The general consensus is that once the container is opened the fluid should be used within two weeks or risk moisture contamination (this is very important to those of us who track our cars). So, when I buy a bottle of $20-$50 fluid to "top off" my system ,I need to discard the left over shortly thereafter. Why can't I simply transfer the remaining fluid to a vacuum type bottle/container for later use? I would think that by removing the ambient air/moisture, the fluid would be safe until it is opened later. Has anyone tried this method

rfn026

I have to admit I've cheated this a little bit at times. On the other hand when I'm getting ready for the track I generally use the whole quart to flush the system. I really want as much new fluid in my brake system as possible.

Why put it back on the shelf when you can easily put it in the car - where it actually does some good.

Here's an article I did for Vintage Motorsport magazine on brake fluid.

Richard Newton

davidfarmer

if it's not all out competition, I agree saving it is fine. I personally try and use a fresh bottle for bleeding, and save the left over for clutch reservoir or my street car.

Z06TWT

That is my plan, however are you saying that when using the remaining brake fluid to "Ranger" my clutch I do not need to be as concerned about the age of my fluid?

CHJ In Virginia

I'm going to take a contrarian opinion in this discussion. I run 8-10 track events a year and do not completely flush my fluid after an event. I just power bleed till clean fluid comes out of the calipers, usually several ounces at each corner. The remainder stays in the can and can sit sometimes for 2-3 months before it is all used up. As long as your can stays tightly sealed, the amount of water infiltration will be minimal and not cause a problem. BTW I use ATE Super Blue.

Z06TWT

That is how I am doing things now (ATE blue, power bleed,etc.)) ,but many of these posts gave me cause for concern

waddisme

Seems like someone mentioned in an earlier thread to keep opened can sealed inside a freezer bag. Where mine is now.

Z06TWT

I thought about using one of those wine bottle vacuum stoppers.....anyone tried this?

X25

I am trying this method now:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...out-waste.html

Z06TWT

Ozer, thanks for the link, but I can get an airtight seal using the original brake fluid container. I thought that even when sealed air/moisture is trapped in the can which will contaminate the fluid. This is even more of an issue with a half full can that has more air. So I was thinking about pumping/sucking out the air before closing the container to reduce the risk and extend the shelf life. I know the wine industry sells many kits to evacuate air from bottles before sealing so I was thinking this might be an option. Any other thoughts?

Bill32

Yea, take your half full plastic can of brake fluid, squeese it to push the air out and put the cap on.

We bleed the racecar calipers every event but certainly don't worry about weither the fluid on the shelf is 2 weeks or a couple months old. It's not even on the check list.

BTW, I have a Formula Ford that has m/c caps with holes in them, open to the atmosphere , does it concern me...nope, not at all.

BEZ06

Yea, but.......You live in nice dry Nevada.

I live in damp, muggy, humid Florida!!

Just checked my hygrometer and it says it's 93% relative humidity out there right now, but we're in between bands of rain from the tropical storm that just passed north of here, and I bet it's really more like 99%!!!

Bob

Bill32

Yea, but I race in humid ol Ca.
And did the same thing with fluid when I raced in Pa.

The thing with brake fluid absorbing moisture is hugely overblown. If push the air out of an opened container and use it in a couple months, there won't be a problem.