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Brake Fluid Testing and Flushing
Contents:
Strip Dip™
- Is NOT a moisture test
- Measures metal oxidation catalysts
- Measures dissolved metal contamination that is a known precursor to active corrosion
- Measure corrosion accelerators
- Repeatable test
- Shows the virtual age of brake fluid
- Test results last over 30 days
- Easy to read results
What Factors Affect Brake Fluid Condition?
- The age of brake fluid
- Level of corrosion inhibitors
- Amount of moisture
- Thermal oxidation
- Level of metal oxidation catalysts
- Environment and type of driving
NOTE: If the corrosion inhibitors are in good condition, even high amounts of moisture (5%) will not cause corrosion. Most people believe that it is moisture that causes the corrosion. It is the lack of corrosion inhibitors that allow corrosion in the system. A very small amount (1%) of moisture can increase corrosion when the inhibitor package has been depleted.
What Happens To Brake Fluid Over Time ?
- Corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid are depleted
- Boiling point of brake fluid is reduced
- Thermal stability is decreased.
What Causes Depletion of Corrosion Inhibitors?
- Time- Studies show that by 36 months some brake fluids have lost 91% of their corrosion inhibitors.
- Increased thermal cycles
- Thermal oxidation
- Volatilization (vaporization)
- Type of driving and environment
What Happens When Corrosion inhibitors in Brake Fluid are Significantly Depleted?
- Integrity of hydraulic system is compromised and exposed to possible corrosion
- Rapid increase of particulate contamination in brake fluid
- Metal oxidation catalysts increase that impair the oxidation properties of the brake fluid
- Particulate contamination can cause damage to seals
- Particulate contamination has also proven to cause ABS valves not to seal properly
NOTE 1: This is very important-Corrosion inhibitors are designed to treat and protect the surfaces they are in contact with. So, as corrosion inhibitors are depleted the surfaces may still have some protection. There is a significant problem when a new hydraulic part is installed, a caliper for example. The other hydraulic parts have some protection from their exposure to the corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid, but the new caliper is unprotected. Since the corrosion inhibitors are now depleted the new part has no corrosion protection and can corrode very quickly. A thorough brake system flush is recommended to protect the new parts.
NOTE 2: Corrosion in the brake system has been seen in vehicles after several years of operation where the brake fluid passed the J1703 standard. Some feel that J1703 cannot predict the affects of the long-term durability of the corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid.
Vehicle Manufacturer's Position on Flushing Brake Fluid
- 65-70% of World's vehicle manufacturers recommend brake fluid flushing, 12-24 months
- GM, Ford and Chrysler have no recommended service interval
- GM, Ford and Chrysler do not oppose brake fluid flush performed by a competent technician that can follow procedure
- GM recommends flushing the brake fluid if the system is contaminated. They also added that they will not define "contamination".
Note: The title on Strip Dip™ tube states " Visual Test for Brake Fluid Contamination"
ASE and Brake Fluid Flushing
- Advertising Supplement taken from USA Today April 17,2002
- ASE's Guide to Auto Maintenance
Protect Your Auto Investment
Probably the most ignored fluid in your car, and the most important, is brake fluid. Sludge will build up over a period of time and may block the valves inside the anti-lock brake (ABS) units and result in costly repairs or replacement. IN addition, this sludge may cause the calipers and wheel cylinders to leak, also resulting in repairs or replacement. SO the best thing you can do is to have the brake fluid flushed and refilled periodically, although the manufacturer recommendations vary as to how often.
US Department of Transportation Position
DOT Report Participants
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
- George Person, Safety Defects Engineer (202)-366-5210
Testing Performed By:
- National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST)-formerly the National Bureau of Standards)
- Ohio State University
Information taken from the Technical Information Services Library
"It should be noted, however that the NIST study does show that internal corrosion does take place in the brake??? system over time. A prudent recommended practice to combat this situation would be to periodically exchange the brake fluid by completely bleeding the brake system and replacing the old fluid with fresh fluid that meets current OE (Original Equipment) specifications."
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)
The BAR's concern is what is in the best interest of the vehicle owner.
They don't have a problem with suggesting a brake fluid flush, but do have a problem if the flush is not performed or performed improperly.
Motorist Assurance Program (MAP)
IMPORTANT CHANGE to brake Uniform Inspection Guidelines (UIG) re: Brake Fluid:
The 1996 version of the MAP UIG's stated: " It is suggested that the [brake] system should be flushed and refilled with brake fluid when performing hydraulic brake service". IMPORTANT NOTE: This statement WAS DELETED in the 1999 UIG's and remained deleted in the 2000 and 2002 UIG's Brake System versions. Therefore please be advised that MAP no longer suggests a flush and refill while performing routine brake service.
NEW 2002 UIG's
Reasons to suggest brake fluid flush:
- Beyond service interval
- Brake fluid type incorrect
- Contaminated
What do the MAP Guidelines Mean?
Reasons to Suggest a Brake Fluid Flush
- Beyond service interval- This does not apply to GM, Ford and Chrysler since they have no service interval
- Brake fluid is incorrect- i.e. you cannot use DOT 5 silicone brake fluid in most brake systems.
- Contaminated. Note: The title on Strip Dip™ tube states " Visual Test for Brake Fluid Contamination"
The Best Way To Determine Brake Fluid Contamination is with STRIP DIP™ using FASCAR™ technology.
What does the Brake Industry Say about Strip Dip?
Dave Abbot, Wagner Brakes:
"Pleased with the lab tests. Shelf life is three years and humidity won't contaminate the strips."
Wally Marciniac, Raybestos:
"It measures particulates of contamination vs. moisture. It is a better factor of worn brake fluid than measuring the boiling point, which determines possible braking failure, not breakdown of system parts. Lab test prove the validity of the test strips".
TEST Don't Guess
- Gives the customer confidence
- Wise preventive maintenance
- Increase brake fluid flush sales
- Use Strip Dip™ on every inspection
- Get Strip Dip™ into the tech's hands
- Attach Strip Dip™ to repair order
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