GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: adw555 on 26 February 2007, 23:09

Title: brake fluid change
Post by: adw555 on 26 February 2007, 23:09
My GTI turns 2 years old in a couple of weeks and I've got a reminder from VW through the post that they recommend I get my brake fluid changed now....I was going to wait until the next service (in about 8k miles) ....anyone know if this will affect my warranty ? ...I dont remember my last car..an Impreza turbo needing the fluid changed so soon... :undecided:
Title: Re: brake fluid change
Post by: Cass on 27 February 2007, 01:42
Standard practice now to replace every 2 years. All at an extra cost to the customer of course :rolleyes:

Cass
Title: Re: brake fluid change
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 27 February 2007, 09:34
It's not really the warranty that should be the issue.  :smug:

The two year brake fluid change (BFC) was introduced on an industry wide basis on the simple grounds of safety.  Cass rightly pointed out that it will cost you though!  :smiley:

 :nerd: Brake fliud is hygroscopic - that is, it actually absorbs water from the atmosphere.  This degrades the brake fluid in a number of ways.  Firstly, it lowers the boiling boint of the brake fluid.  This can lead to vapour lock, where the gas prduced from the boiled brake fluid then becomes compressible (where liquids don't), and therefore does not transmit the hydraulic pressure applied by the pedal at the master cylinder.  Another problem is the water content will cause internal corrosion of all brake components, including the master cylinder, ABS/ESP modulators, load sense or pressure limiting valves, wheel cylinder and caliper pistons.  The corrosion can damage internal seals in these components, causing leaks, and in some instances, will completely seize pistons etc.  In the old days, a rear wheel cylinder could be had for £20, but ABS modulators are £750 upwards, and disc calipers can be £70 upwards!  :shocked:

I personally would strongly recommend not to exceed the 2 year BFC.  I actually change mine every year, but then track days, high speed Autobahn blasts, and mountain hairpins certainly test the brakes!  :wink:

Rgds
Title: Re: brake fluid change
Post by: wantmygti on 27 February 2007, 09:41
£63.45 at the moment i believe. Would be interesting to see what your insurance said if the brakes had failed after you refuse recommended servicing.
Title: Re: brake fluid change
Post by: adw555 on 27 February 2007, 10:52
Oh, I'd always intended on getting it done...my GTI gets better treatment than I do  :wink: ...so a VW dealer has quoted £30 + vat....not too bad really.
Title: Re: brake fluid change
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 27 February 2007, 11:58
Quote from: wantmygti on 27 February 2007, 09:41
Would be interesting to see what your insurance said if the brakes had failed after you refuse recommended servicing.

Knowing what insurance companies are like, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if they tried to weasel out of any payment!

Rgds
Title: Re: brake fluid change
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 27 February 2007, 12:16
Quote from: adw555 on 27 February 2007, 10:52
Oh, I'd always intended on getting it done...my GTI gets better treatment than I do  :wink: ...so a VW dealer has quoted £30 + vat....not too bad really.

£30+ - that's quite cheap.  Audi stealers usually quote £60-85 for the BFC  :sick:
Title: Re: brake fluid change
Post by: Cass on 27 February 2007, 12:23
And Porsche £113 :rolleyes:

Cass
Title: Re: brake fluid change
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 27 February 2007, 16:26
Amazing prices, especially when a litre of DOT 4 is about £3 trade!