Someone once told me that it was a good idea to replace your brake fluid
regularly, because of its hygroscopic nature and that the water build up
will corode the brake system.
When I replaced the wheel cylinders on and old Beetle, the recon ones I
fitted were resleeved with stainless steel, which should not have this
problem. Is this necessary with the E36 BMWs, brake and clutch, and how
often do I need to have it done.
zerouali - 04 May 2005 12:06 GMT
Not just because it corrodes the system, but as the water content increases
your brake fluid will (obviously) dilute, meaning that if you had to do some
heavy braking, there is a chance your fluid will boil and you'll lose all
braking capability.
By all means do the stainless steel thing if you can, but you still need to
replace the fluid regularly to keep yourself in one piece!
> Someone once told me that it was a good idea to replace your brake fluid
> regularly, because of its hygroscopic nature and that the water build up
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> problem. Is this necessary with the E36 BMWs, brake and clutch, and how
> often do I need to have it done.
keith - 04 May 2005 12:09 GMT
>Someone once told me that it was a good idea to replace your brake fluid
>regularly, because of its hygroscopic nature and that the water build up
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>problem. Is this necessary with the E36 BMWs, brake and clutch, and how
>often do I need to have it done.
wheras the cylinders were stainless, the rest of the hydraulic system
may not be... pipes, pistons, springs etc...
change the fluid at the recomneded intervals... every 2 years if
memory serves. in areas of high humidity, I would do it more often.
- less so in dry places. it isnt a huge job and bad brakes kill
ppl.
keith
Malt_Hound - 04 May 2005 15:15 GMT
> Someone once told me that it was a good idea to replace your brake fluid
> regularly, because of its hygroscopic nature and that the water build up
> will corode the brake system.
Someone was partly right. The brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs
moisture) and it is a very good idea to change it on a regular basis,
but not because it will corrode the innards of the brake system. Even
if you filled your brake lines with straight water it would not corrode
in there in the absence of oxygen.
The reason to replace the fluid is because as the fluid absorbs water it
lowers its boiling point. Under heavy braking (coming down out of
mountain pass, etc.) the fluid may boil and cause the brakes to fade
when you need them most (avoid falling off the big precipice?)
> When I replaced the wheel cylinders on and old Beetle, the recon ones I
> fitted were resleeved with stainless steel, which should not have this
> problem. Is this necessary with the E36 BMWs, brake and clutch, and how
> often do I need to have it done.
General rule of thumb is every 2 years. I suppose it should really vary
depending on how much ambient humidity it will be subjected to. Those
folks living in Phoenix could probably safely double that interval.
YMMV,
-Fred W
MW de Jager - 04 May 2005 16:09 GMT
I've just spoken to the local stealer, and according to my car's service
record it is due for a major service at which stage they replace all fluids
anyway. My motor mac will obviously do the service for half the price.
Anyone know CASTROL SG/SF specification motor oil. Is this good enough for
my 328i?
Regards
MW
>> Someone once told me that it was a good idea to replace your brake fluid
>> regularly, because of its hygroscopic nature and that the water build up
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> YMMV,
> -Fred W
trollgeddon - 12 May 2005 22:35 GMT
>I’ve just spoken to the local stealer, and according to my
>car’s service
[quoted text clipped - 51 lines]
>> YMMV,
>> -Fred W</font>
Brake Fluid change is not included in an Ins 2 , they are charged
additional. same for coolant + cabin filters are your own discretion.