Vettmann17

Is there a point in which you should completely change out the brake fluid or is it good indefinatly. I had brakes done about 20K miles ago and I don't think they changed the brake fluid. It's coming soon that I'm gonna have to do rotors and pads again and was wondering if I should have the brake fluid changed as well. It's a 2002 A4 w/77K.

Hammer99

Have you had the car since it was new and never changed it?

What does it look like? You can see if there is moisture in it. Remove top and see if it is cloudy. If so, you should change it. You can suck out the resivoir with a turkey baster and replace w/new for a short term fix. Just don't drip any fluid on your paint!!

_r2h

Normal brake fluids are hygroscopic meaning they attract/absorb water. Ideally, brake fluid should be changed every 1-2 years if you want to maintain the highest boiling point (safest). I'm super ocd and flush mine every three months (when i swap out some clutch res fluid) as it's super cheap and easy to do so. I use a Motive Power Bleeder.

PLRX

I flush mine every 12-18 months.

NealB

agree, you need regular maintenance, not just sucking out of reservoir -- that really doesn't do anything

I too use a Motive, and flush in all of my street cars every 12-18 months using a good brand name fluid

and the autocross car twice a year, and the track car caliper's after every event and a full flush yearly (Motul 600)

OCD too, but no failures of problems from fluid

Vettmann17

Thanks for the advise. Next brake job I'll make sure the fluid will be changed, it looks like I'm long overdue. I pay attention to all the other fluids and change them regularly, but for some reason never the brake fluid. Now I know, thanks again!

HG

If it's a 6 speed, change the clutch fluid also

moserbe

I'm betting the brake fluid is black and not clear. You can buy strips that tell you when it needs to be changed.