Author Topic: brake fluid change  (Read 2690 times)

Offline adw555

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 277
brake fluid change
« 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:

Offline Cass

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,228
Re: brake fluid change
« Reply #1 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
Now: VW Touareg Altitude V6 TDI 3.0 240 bhp, Diamond Pearlescent Black
Previous: MY2007 GTI, 3 door, manual, pearlescent black and lots of toys - gone to a good home : )

Offline Teutonic_Tamer

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 4,562
  • GreasedMonkey - HoofHearted - GTI now mod'ed, ASK!
Re: brake fluid change
« Reply #2 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
Sean - Independent Automotive Engineering Technician (ret'd)
-----
'06/7 Golf Mk5 GTI 5dr (BWA) DSG, colour coded,

I feel like a homo


Offline wantmygti

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,140
Re: brake fluid change
« Reply #3 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.
2017 GTi Clubsport arrived June 2017
2007 Shadow Blue GTi, sold on after 10 years ownership

Offline adw555

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 277
Re: brake fluid change
« Reply #4 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.

Offline Teutonic_Tamer

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 4,562
  • GreasedMonkey - HoofHearted - GTI now mod'ed, ASK!
Re: brake fluid change
« Reply #5 on: 27 February 2007, 11:58 »
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
Sean - Independent Automotive Engineering Technician (ret'd)
-----
'06/7 Golf Mk5 GTI 5dr (BWA) DSG, colour coded,

I feel like a homo


Offline Teutonic_Tamer

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 4,562
  • GreasedMonkey - HoofHearted - GTI now mod'ed, ASK!
Re: brake fluid change
« Reply #6 on: 27 February 2007, 12:16 »
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:
Sean - Independent Automotive Engineering Technician (ret'd)
-----
'06/7 Golf Mk5 GTI 5dr (BWA) DSG, colour coded,

I feel like a homo


Offline Cass

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,228
Re: brake fluid change
« Reply #7 on: 27 February 2007, 12:23 »
And Porsche £113 :rolleyes:

Cass
Now: VW Touareg Altitude V6 TDI 3.0 240 bhp, Diamond Pearlescent Black
Previous: MY2007 GTI, 3 door, manual, pearlescent black and lots of toys - gone to a good home : )

Offline Teutonic_Tamer

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 4,562
  • GreasedMonkey - HoofHearted - GTI now mod'ed, ASK!
Re: brake fluid change
« Reply #8 on: 27 February 2007, 16:26 »
Amazing prices, especially when a litre of DOT 4 is about £3 trade!
« Last Edit: 27 February 2007, 16:55 by Teutonic_Tamer »
Sean - Independent Automotive Engineering Technician (ret'd)
-----
'06/7 Golf Mk5 GTI 5dr (BWA) DSG, colour coded,

I feel like a homo