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Brake fluid

13K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  dgale  
#1 ·
I noted when I picked up my E that the brake fluid was far darker than I would like it to be. SOK. I have a turkey baster set aside for just this type of work. Infinite dillution theory.

I looked in the book before running to the store, and the book really pushes Honda heavy duty brake fluid. Then says you could use DOT3/4 but... why would you ever do such a thing?

Are they just trying to sell some brake fluid, or is there a reason to use the Honda brake fluid? (coming from VW where you use VW certified oil or your engine explodes, VW coolant or your engine explodes, VW power steering fluid or your steering wheel explodes, VW blinker fluid or :twisted:)
 
#7 ·
That implies that the fluid is cycling through, which isn't the case. If you have to keep adding fluid all the time, it means there's a leak. It's supposed to be a closed system, where the only reason the fluid in the reservoir ever goes down is because pad wear allows the caliper cylinders to extend a bit.
 
#9 ·
I've never drained and replaced brake fluid in a car in my life just for the sake of replacing the fluid. When I put new pads or shoes on, the brakes always get bled and new fluid added. That usually comes somewhere between 75,000 and 100,000 miles. I've never even heard of replacing the fluid being a part of regular maintenance until I got an Element. I've also never owned a car where their brand of oils and fluids was required. If I buy another vehicle before I die, it probably wont be a Honda.