What mileage to replace brake fluid?

scstanger

New Member
Dec 3, 2003
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I got my 45,000 servicing done a while back and one of the things to have done is a brake check. Pads and everything were fine but the place I took it to recommended that I get the brake fluid changed in the near future (although fluid level was fine). I looked through the entire servicing guide and could not find at what point (mileage) I am supposed to change the brake fluid.

Can anyone let me know at what point am I supposed the change the fluid?
Thanks in advance.
 
scstanger:

No less than every two years. If you auto-x or drive a lot of city miles, then every year is a good schedule. Brake fluid is cheap and it does not take long to flush/bleed the system. Brake fluid is very hygroscopic (absorbs water) so deterioration of the fluid and corrosion of the brake system can sneak up on you if the system is not flushed regularly.
 
Too Slow:

You have to add fluid to the master cylinder throughout the bleeding process or the m/c will run dry (a bad thing). You'll need 3-4 pints (Ford Heavy Duty brake fluid is high quality and, surprisingly, inexpensive). Start at the furthest corner (passenger side rear) and work towards the m/c. Don't forget to bleed the two bleeders on the m/c that face the engine and are towards the front of the m/c.

The Haynes manual ($20, available everywhere) has a nice write-up.

Also, check out http://www .veryuseful.com/mustang/ (remove the space after the third "w" to make the link work) -- excellent info there.

Chris