Topping up brake fluid or Change it?

[redcab]

Would like some opinions on this....

Just replace brake pads all around.

1. Mechanic (specializes in high end euro cars) says "We live in California - the weather is so dry here that there is no reason to bleed / replace the brake fluid. Better to just keep the system closed." Agree or Disagree?

2. Brake fluid reservoir now (after pad change) shows fluid level about a 1 cm below "MIN" level. Should I just top it off with brake fluid matching "porsche approved"? Or don't mix / top off?

Vehicle is 2001 996 Cab.

Mileage is 38K.... this may well be the first brake pad replacement.

No tracking.... just driving.

THANKS!!!

Jerry

[Loren]

1. Disagree - change it every two years minimum -- more if you track the car. Very cheap insurance.

2. You can top it off if you are pretty sure it is stock fluid. Any DOT 4 should be compatible. But then you are changing it anyway - right?

[djantlive]

1. Disagree - change it every two years minimum -- more if you track the car. Very cheap insurance.

2. You can top it off if you are pretty sure it is stock fluid. Any DOT 4 should be compatible. But then you are changing it anyway - right?

Yup, definitely change it every 2 years. Use quality fluid like Porsche factory, ATE Blue, Motul RB600.

[G Demler]

Ate or Motul is the way to go. Most other regular brake fluids have too low a boiling temp

[JFP in PA]

Suggest you find a new mechanic, he is dead wrong on this one.

Brake fluids are “hydroscopic”, meaning they will absorb moisture. Moisture in the braking system will degrade how well the car can stop as it boils before the brake fluid. Any moisture in the braking system will also lead to terminal corrosion of some very expensive parts, such as the ABS/PSM pumps and control systems. Your brake and clutch hydraulic system (the car shares a common reservoir for both) should be completely flushed every two years, or as Loren pointed out, sooner if the car is tracked, regardless of where you live.

A liter of ATE Gold or Blue costs less than $20, your ABS system costs thousands; you make the call…….

Edited October 26, 2012 by JFP in PA

[1schoir]

+1

The hygroscopic nature of brake fluid causes the fluid to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Even in drier climates than California (Nevada, for example), the fluid will still absorb moisture.

Regards, Maurice.