Does brake fluid go bad?
#1
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Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 (5.0) TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Does brake fluid go bad?
As the title ask, can brake fluid gum up or go bad from sitting while in what was a fully functioning brake system?
Basics behind question... car sat, calipers rusted/seized, replaced calipers, and no fluid or pressure is getting to the new caliper to compress it. There don't appear to be any flaws in the lines, and they were fully functioning before storage.
Thanks.
Basics behind question... car sat, calipers rusted/seized, replaced calipers, and no fluid or pressure is getting to the new caliper to compress it. There don't appear to be any flaws in the lines, and they were fully functioning before storage.
Thanks.
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 357, Canfield heads, solid roller,
Transmission: Upgraded 03 Cobra T56
Axle/Gears: 9" 3.50 gears and Detroit Locker
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
Moisture can cause the fluid to go bad. However, it wont cause your problem. There is something else wrong. I would recommend though to bleed out all of your old fluid and replace it all.
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
Here's an excellent article on brake fluid.
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...fluid_1a.shtml
How long did it sit?
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...fluid_1a.shtml
How long did it sit?
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Car: 87 IROC L98
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Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
Brake fluid is hygroscopic meaning it absorbs water. Brake fluid is really a mineral oil. If you read your owner's manual or any owner's manual, you'll see that all the fluids in a vehicle need to be changed at specific intervals, including brake fluid, tranny oil, diff oil and antifreeze which many people never change.
Brake fluid is a clear liquid. If it's dark or black then it's becoming contaminated with water and should be flushed. Water in brake fluid cause rust which doesn't work inside the hydraulic system.
Brake fluid is a clear liquid. If it's dark or black then it's becoming contaminated with water and should be flushed. Water in brake fluid cause rust which doesn't work inside the hydraulic system.
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Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 (5.0) TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
I would like to be able to bleed out the fluid, but right now the two bleeders I opened aren't pushing any fluid through them.
I am leaving shortly to purchase and replace the remaining calipers and will be purchasing some brake lines in case that needs to be done. I am just confused because their appears to be no damage to the lines, and the fluid in the reservoir looks good yet it will not push the piston in the caliper or move fluid out of the bleeder.
I am leaving shortly to purchase and replace the remaining calipers and will be purchasing some brake lines in case that needs to be done. I am just confused because their appears to be no damage to the lines, and the fluid in the reservoir looks good yet it will not push the piston in the caliper or move fluid out of the bleeder.
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Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 (5.0) TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
As far as sitting, the car hasn't done much since 2004.
It was started and ran at least once a year though the timing was off and ran rough. Oil and gas were maintained for the most part, stabil was used and now has fresh oil in addition to plugs and wires, distributor is still in great shape and was new before sitting, the fuel filter has now been changed, coolant was a fresh flush before sitting and still looks great in the new radiator, and the tranny was supposedly flushed and new filter too (i wasn't there for that part.) I didn't do anything with the brake fluid because i hadn't heard of a need to if the system didn't leak.
It was started and ran at least once a year though the timing was off and ran rough. Oil and gas were maintained for the most part, stabil was used and now has fresh oil in addition to plugs and wires, distributor is still in great shape and was new before sitting, the fuel filter has now been changed, coolant was a fresh flush before sitting and still looks great in the new radiator, and the tranny was supposedly flushed and new filter too (i wasn't there for that part.) I didn't do anything with the brake fluid because i hadn't heard of a need to if the system didn't leak.
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 357, Canfield heads, solid roller,
Transmission: Upgraded 03 Cobra T56
Axle/Gears: 9" 3.50 gears and Detroit Locker
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
Does the brake pedal move?
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
Engine: 355 / 4.0 I6
Transmission: TH350 / Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt / 4wd
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
The rubber brake lines are known to break down internally and restrict the flow of brake fluid, replace them and let us know is the problem persists.
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 357, Canfield heads, solid roller,
Transmission: Upgraded 03 Cobra T56
Axle/Gears: 9" 3.50 gears and Detroit Locker
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
Not a bad idea. Even if the rubber lines are not the problem, getting rid of 25 year old brake lines before they collapse is a good idea.
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
Engine: 355 / 4.0 I6
Transmission: TH350 / Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt / 4wd
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
Yes, I have made them a routine part that I replace if for any reason I replace more than just the pads. Its nice to have that reassurance. They're about $12 a side, FYI.
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Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 (5.0) TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
I replaced the rubber lines, since they were the problem and I was able to drive the car. First real road experience since '04. Today was a good day.
I learned I am nowhere near daily driver from the little jaunt.
Thank you much for the assistance in getting my baby back on the road.
I learned I am nowhere near daily driver from the little jaunt.
Thank you much for the assistance in getting my baby back on the road.
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Car: 83 Trans Am / 96 Jeep XJ
Engine: 355 / 4.0 I6
Transmission: TH350 / Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt / 4wd
Re: Does brake fluid go bad?
I replaced the rubber lines, since they were the problem and I was able to drive the car. First real road experience since '04. Today was a good day.
I learned I am nowhere near daily driver from the little jaunt.
Thank you much for the assistance in getting my baby back on the road.
I learned I am nowhere near daily driver from the little jaunt.
Thank you much for the assistance in getting my baby back on the road.
Glad we could help you figure it out!
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