Thoughts on old brake fluid
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor MI
Thoughts on old brake fluid
I discovered that I have two big cans of ATE Super Blue brake fluid left over from when I was doing a lot of autocrossing. I probably bought these in 2000. One of the metal cans is half full, the other has never been opened. What's the chance that this stuff is still good and I can use it to bleed my Corvette?
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 1
From: Mounds View Minnesota
I don't think bake fluid changes color sitting on the shelf, it changes color from getting hot..300 degrees kinda hot.
It will however adsorb moisture and not be worth using.
If it's open, throw it out and get some Valvolene synthetic, good stuff!
It will however adsorb moisture and not be worth using.
If it's open, throw it out and get some Valvolene synthetic, good stuff!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Brake fluid that is not DOT 5 (Silicone) is hydroscopic, which means it absorbs water. If you have a five year old, opened container I wouldn't chance it and would toss it. The unopened container is sealed and should be fine. No matter how tight you seal the opened one, you run the risk of putting contaminated brake fluid in your car.
One of the main reasons that brake fluid turns from a light honey color to darker brown is the absorption of water. That is why most manuals recommend changing brake fluid every two years. This is the same cycle used when changing antifreeze.
Gary
One of the main reasons that brake fluid turns from a light honey color to darker brown is the absorption of water. That is why most manuals recommend changing brake fluid every two years. This is the same cycle used when changing antifreeze.
Gary
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Originally Posted by knbwag73
Toss out the one that has been opened for 5 plus years. If the other still is sealed, go ahead and use it.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Originally Posted by knbwag73
Toss out the one that has been opened for 5 plus years. If the other still is sealed, go ahead and use it.
pitch the open can.....although for what a can (or two) of normal brake fluid costs you might as well buy a couple of fresh cans and keep the sealed can for an emergency!!....redvetracr
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
Toos the old stuff keep the so called good stuff....Just get a goos DOT4 and be done with all the guessing and others opinions including mine.....LMAO....change it every so often and drive it like a hoe...
Larry
Larry
