shadowace1

How often do you need to bleed the brakes if the car is not driven very often ? I heard there is some kind of litmus paper test that can be done on the existing fluid to tell if it is still good.

midyearvette

i just did mine from two years ago and noticed a very slight film atop the brakefluid
i usually do it every year but neglected it last year, i will be doing it yearly again......jmo......

1snake

DOT 3/4 - every 2 years. DOT 5 - never.

6T5RUSH

I'm with Snake on this one. I replaced my master 12 years ago with a '67, dual master style. When I did this I also had my original calipers stainless sleeved. Went with Dot 5 and have never touched 'em since.

Jim
In God We Trust!

jim lockwood

Fill and bleed it and then forget it.

Jim

54greg

I purchased a brake fluid tester that measures the amount of water/moisture in the fluid. In so calif my dot 3 lasts between 3 to 4 years before it tests bad

Powershift

I almost agree I would say to bleed DOT 5 every 10 years based on my own personal experience. I have seen some degradation of the fluid in the calipers (only) after this time. Fluid was still probably okay, but it had changed color and appeared to need replacement. Fluid in master cylinder and brake lines was "as new".

Larry

jim lockwood

In what way had the fluid changed color? It's normal for DOT5 to look purple when new and yellowish after only a short time.

Here is a wheel cylinder which had only DOT 5 for 21 years and no maintenance:



The above wheel cylinder isn't my longest experience with DOT 5. I converted one of my cars to DOT5 just over 30 years ago; haven't given the brake fluid another thought since.

Jim

Powershift

Jim:

Fluid in the calipers (only) was yellowish and had a few flecks of some solid particles. This was the front calipers only.

Fluid in the brake lines and the master cylinder was the original purple color and clear.

This was after 10-12 years of service.

As I stated in my post, the yellowish fluid was probably still okay, but it appeared to have degraded some. I just bled the system until everything was the original color and there were no air bubbles.

Larry

Tom Austin

I'm with Jim . . . switched to ss calipers and DOT 5 30 years ago - haven't touched them since. Do it - and forget it!

Tom

Jackfit

You can change my fluid next time I am in town, and you could also do my seats.

Say Hello to the gang and I may visit for the convention, I don't think it is too far to drive.

Jack

emdoller

Im getting ready to change my brake fluid and I believe I have the original brakes that have been rebuilt.

Can I use dot 5 fluid??

Ed

jim lockwood

The solid particles would be a concern. The yellow fluid.... not so much.

On balance, I think you were OK.

Jim

dahogan

So, when you coming over to do mine?

midyearvette

yours was done this last fall, you must be getting "oldtimers".......

babbah

I replaced the calipers with stainless steel sleeved and lip seal pistons on my 67 in 1982 - Filled the system at that time with DOT5 fluid to this day I have perfect brakes and never once have had to do anything to the system.
DOT5 is the way to go!

6T5RUSH

Hey Jackfit,

Yeh Jack, DOT 5 and stainless sleeved calipers are the way to go.

Thanks for the kudoos on the seat work in progress! Definitely a do it yourselfer, especially with the help of the video on how to do it.

Yup, you got my ugly mug in that 3rd shot, grinnin' away, just left of center.

DO hope to run into you during the NCRS national convention which takes place here in Novi, MI in July. I will be a first time attendee at this.

Never to show/judge as mine is just a driver. More interested in seeing some of the cream of the crop at the show.

I wonder if they have Corvette only secured parking for those who just want to stroll and view the jewels? Got to check out their website.

Sorry for the rambling off topic here...you get here early enough Jack and maybe we can do some wrenchin' on her.