Told You Need New Brake Fluid in Your Car or Truck? How Does Old Fluid Affect Brake Pads & Rotors

Summary

In this video, Lynn from 1A Auto explains the importance of maintaining brake fluid and how it impacts vehicle braking performance. Brake fluid can deteriorate over time, causing issues like pulling to one side or inadequate braking, even after replacing pads and rotors. Lynn outlines how contamination or moisture in brake fluid lowers its boiling point, leading to reduced braking efficiency. He demonstrates how to check brake fluid quality, using test strips or an electronic tester, and provides a step-by-step guide for replacing fluid and bleeding brakes to ensure optimal vehicle safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brake fluid can cause braking issues like pulling to one side or inadequate braking even after replacing pads and rotors.
• 😀 Contaminated or old brake fluid can damage rubber components such as flex hoses, master cylinders, and calipers.
• 😀 If brake fluid is contaminated, it can lead to premature wear or uneven braking performance.
• 😀 Air or vapor in the brake lines can cause uneven brake force, leading to pulling in one direction when braking.
• 😀 Brake fluid leaks can cause loss of pressure and poor braking performance, requiring inspection for leaks.
• 😀 Hydraulic brakes use brake fluid instead of air or vapor, as fluid is not compressible, making the braking system more effective.
• 😀 Checking brake fluid quality is essential; discolored or brown fluid may indicate the need for replacement.
• 😀 Moisture in brake fluid lowers its boiling point, and fluid with too much moisture can cause braking failure at high temperatures.
• 😀 A simple way to test brake fluid moisture is by using electronic testers or test strips to measure the level of moisture content.
• 😀 When replacing brake fluid, it’s essential to properly bleed the brakes to remove air or old fluid, starting with the rear right, then front left, and so on.
• 😀 Brake fluid’s boiling point is crucial since it can exceed 212°F when braking hard, making moisture content a key factor in preventing brake failure.

Q & A

What is the main issue Lynn is addressing in the video?

Lynn is addressing brake fluid issues that can cause braking problems such as pulling, inadequate braking, and premature wear on brake components, even after replacing the brake pads and rotors.

Why is brake fluid important for a vehicle's braking system?

Brake fluid is essential because it transfers energy from the brake pedal to the braking system. It also conditions rubber components, lubricates moving parts, and helps in cooling the system.

What symptoms indicate a brake fluid issue in a vehicle?

Symptoms of brake fluid issues include a brake pull to one side, inadequate braking, or premature wear on brake pads or rotors, even after replacing them.

What could cause the brake pull to one side?

A brake pull could be caused by air or vapor inside the brake lines or by a fluid leak. This can cause one side of the brake system to be less effective, forcing the other side to do more of the work.

Why is it important to change brake fluid regularly?

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point. If the fluid boils, it can cause a loss of braking performance, especially when braking under high heat conditions, such as driving downhill.

How can you test the condition of brake fluid?

Brake fluid can be tested by using a moisture test strip or an electronic tester. The tester will indicate the moisture level in the fluid, which should ideally be below 2% for optimal performance.

What is the recommended moisture level in brake fluid for safe operation?

The recommended moisture level in brake fluid should be around 1-2%. If it exceeds this level, the fluid needs to be replaced to prevent boiling and brake failure.

What happens if there is too much moisture in the brake fluid?

Excessive moisture in the brake fluid lowers the boiling point. If the brakes generate more heat than the boiling point of the fluid, it can lead to vaporization, causing brake failure and reduced stopping power.

How do you properly bleed a brake system?

To bleed a brake system, one person pumps the brake pedal and holds it down, while the other opens the bleeder screw to release air. The process is done in this order: right rear, left rear, right front, then left front.

What should you do after completing the brake fluid replacement and bleeding process?

After replacing or bleeding the brake fluid, check the fluid level, clean up any mess, reinstall the wheels, and take the vehicle for a road test to ensure the brakes are working properly.