what a best place to have a brake fluid change?

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

M1Accord

Joined
May 26, 2007
Messages
1,928
Location
Lost
I pretty do all the fluid change in my car except brake fluid. That stuff is too dangerous to do at home. For about 50 bucks or so every 4 years, I think it is totally worth it to let the professional do it.

Where do you guys take your cars for brake service? I have good luck with Pep Boys for everything so far and they seem to be very legit. I haven't done brake fluid change there though.

Mucho Gracias amigos
 
Also, should I do a brake system flush as well. Car is a 1992 Corolla and I think the current fluid may have been in for 3 years at about 50k miles. I check the bleed valves and they look as good as new.
 
If it's too dangerous to do at home, I would think it's too dangerous to do at Pep Boys too. A dealership would know how to cycle the ABS module to get that fluid out, which is really the only reason to not do brake fluid changes at home.

I'll use ABS countless times each winter, so I just do a gravity bleed at home. That eliminates any chance of air getting into the system, albeit it takes a while to do.
 
I agree. I also go out and purposefully find a sandy spot to cycle my ABS several times. Doing a drain/fill, with purposeful ABS cycling on a yearly basis should keep things very clean inside...and it only costs me about 5.00 per year per car. Autozone takes my used brake fluid. But, hey, not everyone likes to mess with it. I'd have to find an independent person that I trusted, rather than any menial labor-type staffed places (which often includes the oil-change staff at dealerships!).
 
Flushing is no different than bleeding only that you keep going until all the fluid has been replaced not just until you don't see bubbles. All you really need is a wrench that fits your bleeder screw, a piece of clear tubing so you can see what is coming out, a container to catch the old fluid, & the fluid you want to use to replace it with. Other things will make it easier such as vacuum/power bleeder, friend to pump brakes & refill master cylinder, etc but it isn't something that the average guy with a few tools can't do. The bonus is, since it's your car you will probably do a better job than some kid working in a quickie lube that doesn't have anything invested in the vehicle. Just remember not to let the master cylinder go empty or you have to start over.
 
You can also get a one man brake bleeder from Pep Boys or Autozone for about $10 or you can get a set of check valves for the nipples.
 
Manual transmissions are too dangerous too!
laugh.gif


-sorry couldn't resist.
cool.gif
 
Brake fluid change at repair shop: $50

Doing your own fluid change in the comfort of your own driveway, checking around for anything else that needs attention and just plain bonding with your car: priceless!
 
Brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years. Anything longer then 2 years, IMO, shortens component life and degrades braking performance.

Mityvac vacuum, Motive pressure, and Speedbleeder brake bleeding makes it very easy. With the investment in the tools, you can bleed yearly for $5 quart fluid cost and eliminate any fluid related problems.

You're also jumping to the conclusion that there are professionals doing brake bleeds.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

J
Corolla brake pedal sinking to the floor - master cylinder?
2 3
Replies
56
Views
2K
jsean
R
Did my wife's rear brakes on 2009 Lincoln MKs
Replies
7
Views
1K
miked2
J
2005 Pontiac Sunfire Preventative Maintenance
Replies
5
Views
672
nickaluch
Rat407
Brake fluid refresh?
2
Replies
35
Views
1K
Snagglefoot
R
Power steering fluid in brake fluid
Replies
19
Views
3K
50yr Street Mech
Back
Top Bottom