Brake fluid flush question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 190
From: Austin TX
Brake fluid flush question
So I went to the dealer this weekend to get a full flush on my brake system. After I got home, I double checked the fluid level just to be sure and all it was where it should be. The only issue that I have is that it is completely black again. Only about 50 or so miles after the flush. Shouldn't it be clear or dirty clear within this short time? I wouldn't think that after a full flush it would look like coffee.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
So I went to the dealer this weekend to get a full flush on my brake system. After I got home, I double checked the fluid level just to be sure and all it was where it should be. The only issue that I have is that it is completely black again. Only about 50 or so miles after the flush. Shouldn't it be clear or dirty clear within this short time? I wouldn't think that after a full flush it would look like coffee.
sounds like they didn't do it right
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 190
From: Austin TX
yeah, its the cap in the front of the motor that says Mobile 1 right? Just messing with you. After 8 years with this car, and working on other cars, I'm pretty sure that its the brake fluid.
As for bending their ear, I don't know if I want to even go back and deal with them. After reading about all sorts of other issues with dealers, I just think they are gonna say tough $hit. Then I get pissed and start beating on the techs. Just don't think it will be productive
As for bending their ear, I don't know if I want to even go back and deal with them. After reading about all sorts of other issues with dealers, I just think they are gonna say tough $hit. Then I get pissed and start beating on the techs. Just don't think it will be productive
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
I had the dealer flush mine a month ago. I checked it before they did it and it was black. Checked it after they did it when I got home and it was so clear I almost couldn't tell any was in there. I just checked it again and it's still clear but only under a hundred miles have been put on it since it was changed.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
yeah, its the cap in the front of the motor that says Mobile 1 right? Just messing with you. After 8 years with this car, and working on other cars, I'm pretty sure that its the brake fluid.
As for bending their ear, I don't know if I want to even go back and deal with them. After reading about all sorts of other issues with dealers, I just think they are gonna say tough $hit. Then I get pissed and start beating on the techs. Just don't think it will be productive
As for bending their ear, I don't know if I want to even go back and deal with them. After reading about all sorts of other issues with dealers, I just think they are gonna say tough $hit. Then I get pissed and start beating on the techs. Just don't think it will be productive
sad but often true
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 190
From: Austin TX
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,629
So I went to the dealer this weekend to get a full flush on my brake system. After I got home, I double checked the fluid level just to be sure and all it was where it should be. The only issue that I have is that it is completely black again. Only about 50 or so miles after the flush. Shouldn't it be clear or dirty clear within this short time? I wouldn't think that after a full flush it would look like coffee.
With the fluid black again so soon, they only changed out the fluid in the reserve tank (did not power flush the entire system to get out the old fluid from the lines, ABS and calipers as well).
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,142
Likes: 1,913
From: Missouri City, TX
To flush correctly, Tech II to open up the ABS system, then about a quart of new fluid power pushed through the system from the res tank out the bleed valve on all for calipers to flush out the fluid.
With the fluid black again so soon, they only changed out the fluid in the reserve tank (did not power flush the entire system to get out the old fluid from the lines, ABS and calipers as well).
With the fluid black again so soon, they only changed out the fluid in the reserve tank (did not power flush the entire system to get out the old fluid from the lines, ABS and calipers as well).
Sounds to me like what happened as well.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 418
Likes: 32
From: Ct
Take the car back. With the color of the fluid they can't pretend they did the job right. Ask for the service manager if the tech gives you push back at all.
If you don't say anything and they get away with it, imagine how many others they do this too.
If you don't say anything and they get away with it, imagine how many others they do this too.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,817
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
How long had it been since the fluid was previously flushed. If it had been a long time sometimes it is hard to get the dirt out of the reservoir. The plastic turns black and dirt seems to get in all of the crevices inside the reservoir.
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 190
From: Austin TX
Close to 3 years - 25K miles. I was thinking that the reservoir was just stained or something like that. I may actually get a syringe out tomorrow and pull some out to see what color it is.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 13
From: Laguna Woods, CA
I think too many people give dealers a pass on maintenance items like this. You paid $$$ to have this done. At the very least you can get your $$$ back and take your car to another shop.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 190
From: Austin TX
Well, took it back and they said it was the reservoir that was stained black. Came home and used a syringe to pull some fluid out. it was fairly clear. Chalk that up as a learning experience.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa