2003 GrCaravan 40000 miles - flushing brake fluid?

Dealer said to flush the brake fluid. It is not mentioned in the Service
Schedule , does it really need to be done. And if yes, de we use Mopar
Fluid ?
Thanks

 

Replacing the old fluid is a good idea by doing this it's prevenetive
maintenance and fresh fluid is always better and your brake pedal my
feel a little bit more firm.

Thanks
Earl

 

It's a good idea to remove water and other contaminants from the
system. However, if you have ABS, I think that you will need a scanner
to do the job.

-KM

 

No.

 

Care to expand your thought? I know I always learn from one word answers
but maybe many others don't......

 

OK. You're talking about a sealed hydraulic system. 4 years and
40,000 miles is nothing. Neither is 10 years and a million miles. The
only reason you would ever need to replace the brake fluid is if your
fluid became contaminated. The easiest way to contaminate it is to
open the system to change the fluid! If you have had no leaks, no
damage, haven't replaced any parts in the hydraulic system, and
haven't run the reservoir dry (thus introducing air), then there is
absolutely no reason to flush the fluid. Other than making a few bucks
for the local dealer. And you won't run the reservoir dry unless one
of those other things has happened.

At most, your dealer is going to spend 3 minutes sucking the fluid out
of your reservoir (only) and pour a few ounces of new fluid in and
charge you an exhorbitant fee for the "service." He isn't about to
flush the system.

 

OK. You're talking about a sealed hydraulic system. 4 years and
40,000 miles is nothing. Neither is 10 years and a million miles. The
only reason you would ever need to replace the brake fluid is if your
fluid became contaminated. The easiest way to contaminate it is to
open the system to change the fluid! If you have had no leaks, no
damage, haven't replaced any parts in the hydraulic system, and
haven't run the reservoir dry (thus introducing air), then there is
absolutely no reason to flush the fluid. Other than making a few bucks
for the local dealer. And you won't run the reservoir dry unless one
of those other things has happened.

I tend to disagree with this. Heat can and does alter the properties of
brake fluid. Check the differences in Dot 3 and Dot 4 fluids to start. As
brake fluid absorbs moisture, it turns a yellowish color and does not
tolerate high heat as well.

At most, your dealer is going to spend 3 minutes sucking the fluid out
of your reservoir (only) and pour a few ounces of new fluid in and
charge you an exhorbitant fee for the "service." He isn't about to
flush the system.

And I suppose you know what I'm having for supper too... With a vacuum brake
bleeder, it takes about a half hour to bleed four wheels...unless the
bleeder are rusted and don't come loose.

Denny

 

Brake fluid is formulated to withstand the heat it sees in normal
service. It isn't subjected to moisture unless you have another
problem, so what color it turns is not germane. The container you buy
at the parts store probably has more moisture in it than the stuff in
your car. Neither the vehicle manufacturer nor the brake fluid
manufacturer recommend periodic replacement. But if you want to flush
and replace yours, by all means do so. I'll wait until I have to open
the system for another reason.

 

I think that a scanner is only needed if you get air in the system.

ABS pumps are sensitive to moisture, so regular flushing makes sense for
ABS equipped systems.

 

Define normal. Some people are alot harder on brakes than others.

It isn't subjected to moisture unless you have another

Some manufactures do. Benz does and not the Chrysler side.

But if you want to flush

You don't know me and I sure don't know you so this is the first thing
you've said that I agree with. All I can tell you is what I've seen on an
everyday basis.

Have a good day

Denny

 

Using an inexpensive "one hand bleader" tool, I recently flushed out the
fluid in my 01 PT Cruiser, 04 Chrysler mini-van and my 98 RAV4. I used DOT 4
synthetic fluid. I can report that all 3 vehicles benefited from this
attention. Better brake feel and a firmer pedal. Since the fluid is
hydroscopic (takes in water) it is a good idea to flush the fluid out every
few years, IMO.

Richard.