Brake Fluid Change

[sbleiweiss]

I thought I read here that the brake fluid on the F53 chassis was supposed to be changed at some relatively short interval. But I looked in my Ford manual under maintenance and it doesn't show changing that fluid ever. What's right?

[W.J. Demo]

I have a 2019 F53. Page 101 of my Owner's Manual has this statement: " Brake system fluid should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain optimum braking performance, especially under heavy-duty driving conditions such as frequent steep grades or heavy towing loads. See Scheduled Maintenance (page 144). "


Page 144 starts the Scheduled Maintenance Section; however, I do not see anything in this section that speaks to brake fluid replacement.

[twinboat]

I found this. The last box says it all.

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...rket=USA&div=f

[Sue46]

We bought some testing strips and our brake fluid is fine. This was confirmed by our mechanic. Three years right now.

[Waiter21]

Last summer, I installed new hoses and replaced the fluid (DOT3) in my 1999 Southwind. I suspect its never been done, since 1999.

[georgelesley]

I called the Ford RV Hotline and was told every three years is ok for the way we use it. Our 2014 book says every 2 years.

[TeJay]

sbleiweiss,

There is sound reasoning for this fairly new service procedure to be adopted and used by consumers.

The brake fluid has a high boiling point which it needs but that comes at a price. The fluid likes to absorb water and is corrosive to many things it comes in contact with. Secondly it is the only fluid used on vehicles that is not filtered and never circulates.

It makes perfect sense to replace it on a regular basis. We often did replace some fluid when we serviced the front disc brakes around 35,000 to 40,000 miles but we were never expected to replace all of it.

Try this to make the job very easy. Purchase ($6 to $7 each) something called a speed bleeder. They can stay in all the time after you're done. They are standard bleeder screws with a check valve added. Bleeding the brakes is as simple as opening up one bleeder screw at a time and manually pump the brake pedal until clean fluid is entering your bottle used to catch the fluid. Always monitor your master cylinder to prevent it from going empty.

There are several threads discussing the process on the forums. I've bled brakes for years and wonder why these special bleeder screws were not available before. They make the job very easy.

I'm thinking Ford would like to add another semi-annual $200 service procedure to all their customers. I'll think about doing it every 3 to 4 years and get it done sometime during that 4th or last year. Consider the fact up until recent years we never bled the entire system at one setting. Even when we did all 4 wheels we still never specifically tried to make sure clean fluid was coming out each bleeder.

[sbleiweiss]

Originally Posted by twinboat

I found this. The last box says it all.

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...rket=USA&div=fAttachment 245029

That page is not in my 2013 manual.

[Dav L]

Might not be in your manual, but its the same brake fluid. Needs to be changed periodically or you risk issues with other braking components.
This is not nearly as painful a service procedure as one is thinking.

Takes about an hour. My 12 year old son is my pedal partner.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

That page is not in my 2013 manual.

Found page 151 in a 2013 manual. Maybe not yours but its there. 3rd paragraph.

[wimpy]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic & has been absorbing water since the vehicle rolled off the assembly line. Rubber brake lines have been deteriorating internally as well and should be replaced every 6 years per hose manufacturers.

Here's my take on how I've done it on various sedans, trucks & RVs, most info won't apply since you won't be dealing with 20+ year old equipment. https://tinyurl.com/y2a6w6cd

When bleeding brakes always begin at the furthest point. For a master cylinder front roadside, start with rear curbside wheel and continue LR, RF, LF.

I highly recommend Castrol's Dot 4 Brake Fluid which is designed with low moisture absorption properties. I've been using since I discovered it when road racing in the late 70s.

[W.J. Demo]

Originally Posted by wimpy

I highly recommend Castrol's Dot 4 Brake Fluid which is designed with low moisture absorption properties. I've been using since I discovered it when road racing in the late 70s.

Be careful with the brake fluid recommendations. Quoting from the 2019 F53 Ownwer's Manual : "Chassis with gross vehicle weight ratings of 20500 pounds (9299 kilograms), 22000 pounds (9979 kilograms), 24000 pounds (10886 kilograms) and 26000 pounds (11793 kilograms) are equipped with Hydromax Brake Booster Systems and must use Motorcraft DOT 5.1 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid or equivalent meeting Ford Specification ESD-M6C57-A

[Hikerdogs]

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

That page is not in my 2013 manual.

You can download a pdf version of the owners manual from this site:

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo.../13motom1e.pdf

If you have the printed manual look on page 151 about 2/3 of the way down the page is the following sentence:

Class A Motorhome: Change brake fluid every two years.

In 2013 at least the 22,000 lb. chassis and up use DOT 5.1 brake fluid.

[Rolling Ragu]

I just changed the fluid on my 2011 F53. I had never done it before, but had the help of someone that had. It was easier than changing engine oil.

I suspect mine had never been changed. I did notice a bit more feel and performance from the brakes afterwards. They were a little more "grippy". Before the fluid change they would stop fine, just didn't have "feel".