Everybody knows How important brakes are in any vehicle and, if possible, in a commercial one (motorhome, van, pick-up, etc.) more by weight, by the number of times it is activatedn, etc. However, hydraulic fluid is often forgotten. We often change pads, discs, even the catchphrases, before doing it with the liquid which is much more simple.
Braking is as important, or more, than accelerating or the force we need in our vehicles to circulate with it. A brake circuit In poor condition it is simply a real road hazard. And the brake fluid, Precisely, we tend to neglect it in many maintenance vehicle. ¿How long has it been since you changed the brake fluid in your van?
LOOK AT THE FIRST, OBSERVE THE SECOND, AND CHANGE YES OR YES
The first indication or advice is check precisely that brake fluid to which we refer. As simple as looking at the bottle level that contains it, located in the engine compartment and duly marked (almost always) which is the one of the brake fluid and the black plug. This has a minimum and maximum mark. Obviously, it should not exceed any of these marks (neither below nor above)... although especially it should not be below the lower limit. A simple visual inspection ok. If something fails, like the hydraulic fluid is below the minimum, we will have to keep looking that may have caused this drop in level. You can also start by filling and review more periodically until the fault is found if there is one. But since it is a closed circuit, it is best to check thoroughly because that should not happen. never happen.
The second tip is to observe, precisely, the color of the liquid. The color it should have should be a transparent yellow, according to the advice from Continental Automotive with its specialist brake brand ATE which reminds us, precisely, that “… plays a fundamental role in vehicle safety and its occupants. Keep in good state Brake fluid is vital for prevent serious consequences such as, for example, losing effectiveness drastically and braking power. With proper maintenance, professional work and quality brake fluids this will be achieved. improve security, braking distance will be shortened and tire life will be extended.brake system”.
The third tip, which is not the least important, is change the brake fluid. What's more, it is the most important since it must be done with a certain periodicity which, as we say, usually passes us by. As the half-life of brake fluid It is, let's say, relatively short, the RACE recommends doing it every two years (according to what the manufacturers say). That means removing the old fluid and replacing it with new. Not just any fluid will do, it has to be the correct specification. DOT4. This data indicates the boiling point of the liquid. (over 180 degrees although it is actually superior), That's why it's important. However, if we have the maintenance manual for our van we can consult. If in that manual the DOT is less than 4, It doesn't matter to do it with a 4. As long as it is higher than recommended It is valid… except if it is TOD 5. The first ones have glycol base, and on the 5th of silicone, which is why They are not compatible. However, the specialist knows this very well and, if we buy them ourselves, it is advisable and necessary to consult the manufacturer's specifications. liquid and the manufacturer of our van. It is essential to be very Safety of this because there is also DOT 5.1...
From RACE they remind us that: “It's not always going to be easy to replenish brake fluid. If it is between the level of maximum and minimum, There will be no problems when filling it out, taking care that Do not spill corrosive liquid. The problem occurs when there is a loss of fluid, at which point air is already entering the circuit. In this case, We should not add fluid without first bleeding the brakes.". Of course, because bleed the brakes It is not always that simple, since with ABS systems and others The purge function of the ABS system itself is often required, which is done with with suitable (it is not worth it) "peea-let go” (for life). Hence it is better go to a specialist
¿HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CHANGE BRAKE FLUID?
RACE itself estimates that Changing the brake fluid in a workshop costs around forty euros. Furthermore, replace it on your own requires, or have a elevator, or a place where you can get underneath to access the purgers of each wheel, plus two people if one is not available vacuum pump and an action protocol (first the front wheel that is closest to the liquid reservoir, then the other, then the closest rear and finally the rear one which is further away)… and we do not forget nor of the tools nor of the containere necesario to collect that old liquid which then has to be taken to a recycling center. But we insist, better to see a specialist.
The enemies of the hydraulic brake system, Basically referring to the liquid, there are two. On the one hand, humidity. Brake fluid is prone to absorb that moisture from air, and that is very bad because braking worsens and he goes deteriorating in effectiveness. And that's because brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs environmental humidity to prevent the formation of water bubbles). La humidity, also, converted into water, rusts the parts of the braking system. On the other hand, there is air in the system. With air, the system brakes poorly or does not brake at all. A brake fluid with the diminished efficiency It can be seen because the The feel is spongier on the pedal, or because with air bubbles in the circuit, either it does not brake and the pads do not press enough with the disc, or directly it doesn't stop anything.