GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: jonesltd on 09 March 2011, 08:48
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I personally have never changed the fluid however
a. when should it be done and
b. are they done at the same time
c. rather than me buying 2 different liquids can 1 do both
d. how much will I need
:undecided:
Thank you
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I believe brake fluid should be replaced every 2 / 3 years not sure on the clutch fluid.
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Brake and clutch fluid are the same, run off the same reservoir
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It should be done once you deem them necessary, if you notice more sponginess and less progressiveness as a result of hygroscopic nature of these fluids. As Houston says, they run off the same reservoir, 2 litres should be enough. Make sure that you bleed the system properly.
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Thank you
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It should be done every 2/3 years as Wayne said, not when you think it is necessary.
If you really can't be bothered to do it regularly, buy a tester, so you can test the water content in the fluid.
You can't always tell how much moisture is in the fluid, unless you hammer the brakes constantly, so don't rely on if the pedal feels 'spongey'.
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Never knew you could get brake fluid testers, how much they cost?
If you have to ask these questions then i recommend you get a garage to do it, its a bit fiddly on mk4s and you may be stuck with an unmoveable car if you strip a nipple (ooer?!)
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if you strip a nipple (ooer?!)
Sounds painfull :grin:
Sealey do a fluid tester: http://www.jhmbuttco.com/acatalog/info_VS027.html
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Its cheaper just to change it.
The problem with brake fluid is moisture in the system can rot it from the inside.
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Otherwise known as hygroscopic.
Depends what sort of driving you do, but it's always good practise to maintain them especially if you've spent alot of money on the braking setup. ATE superblue recommends you change the fluid every 3 years but mine don't last half that long if I fit in alot of track days, for that reason the driver should be aware of when his/her brake fluids aren't performing.
If you can feel a sponginess (assuming it's been bled correctly) and a lack of progressiveness as a result of absorption of water in the brake fluid then it's just logical to change the brake fluid regardless of how long the fluid has been in the system for. I certainly would not wait till the 3 years knowing full well my brake fluid has absorbed a signficant amount of water and reduced it's boiling point as a result affecting the braking performance and response lol
The 3 years is a rough guideline of it's lifetime on average use, as deemed average by the company - average use could be anything within reason. It is not to be followed religiously, as many will have you believe, certainly like gearbox oil where manufacturers claim it need never be changed, ever, because it's designed for the lifetime of the vehicle but we all know that to not be true.
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2 years is the guideline for brake fluid change.
As said, it does depend on how the car is used
For a normal road car doing average miles, 2 years is about right.