Community Forums

ichn2go · 04-25-2007, 05:41 AM

Does Workhorse recommend changing the brake fluid every two years as does Ford? Thanks

ichn2go · 04-25-2007, 05:41 AM

Does Workhorse recommend changing the brake fluid every two years as does Ford? Thanks

edgray · 04-25-2007, 06:22 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Does Workhorse recommend changing the brake fluid every two years </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Quote from page 73 of the Workhorse Chassis Guide:
"Although there is not a recommended service interval to change the brake fluid listed in your owner's manual, the recommendation by a number of brake manufacturers is every two to three years. If fluid becomes contaminated, change immediately. Use Delco Supreme No. 11 Hydralic Brake Fluid (DOT 3) or equivalent"
ED

edgray · 04-25-2007, 06:26 AM

I also should have reminded everyone NOT to use DOT 5 brake fluid. DOT 5 Fluid is silicon based and can cause major damage to the ABS module and other brake components.

DO NOT USE DOT 5 Brake fluid.
ED

M&EM · 04-25-2007, 08:40 AM

Is the color (or lack of color) of the system brake fluid a good indication to determine if a change is required?

I have seen else where on this forum comments about moisture presence causing the fluid to take on a darker color then the clear-to light amber of new fluid.

My fluid is still quite clear and lumpy as it was when we took delivery 4 years ago.

However, a complete brake pad and rotor replacement a year ago may have included new fluid. Not likely tho, since they did not replace the calipers and no brake fluid was on parts/materials list.

Any thoughts on this?

Marty

ichn2go · 04-25-2007, 10:28 AM

Thanks for the replies and the page number in the manual.

edgray · 04-25-2007, 11:26 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Is the color (or lack of color) of the system brake fluid a good indication to determine if a change is required? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
YES.
To further quote the CG:

" New brake fluid is clear with a brown-orange tint......As water is absorbed, the fluid will darken to the point that it appears to be almost black. This would be a good time to change the fluid " ED

M&EM · 04-25-2007, 02:37 PM

Thanks Ed,
Guess the dry air in Az slows the spoilage rate of brake fluid here.

Marty

Full-Timers · 04-25-2007, 04:09 PM

Your fluid can be checked for moisture content. My fluid had the layer of "Syrup" in the master cylinder. I was concerned so I asked Redlands Truck to change it. They said the "syrup" only floats on the top of the master cylinder and doesn't affect the rest of the system. They ran a moisture check on the fluid and said no service was necessary. Nice bunch of guys, didn't charge me for something I didn't need.

DriVer · 04-26-2007, 03:03 AM

Folks should consider changing their brake fluid at the 3 year interval. It is recommended by the brake manufacturers and it couldn't hurt.

That said "There is not a recommended service interval to change the brake fluid."

Art D · 09-19-2007, 03:07 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"Although there is not a recommended service interval to change the brake fluid listed in your owner's manual, the recommendation by a number of brake manufacturers is every two to three years. If fluid becomes contaminated, change immediately. Use Delco Supreme No. 11 Hydralic Brake Fluid (DOT 3) or equivalent"
ED </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
How do you know what is equivalent?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oemtech · 09-19-2007, 03:44 AM

I go by the color... I draw out about 1 pint of fluid each year and compare it to new. New should be clear or have a slight amber color. If the sample is dark to black it is contaminated (moisture) and should be replaced. I gravity bleed mine and it takes about an hour. and only costs about $12 for fluid and $3 for plastic tubing.

DriVer · 09-19-2007, 04:09 AM

Gravity bleed is an approved and effective method that works well and requires little if any other interaction other than to keep the master cylinder at it's full mark.

Art D · 09-19-2007, 04:34 AM

Does anyone have a thread size for the bleed screw? I assume they are the same for all Workhorse chassis. I want to get replacements that have the check valve for bleeding.