Flushing brake fluid as part of service

Romort628 · Post by **Romort628** » 26 Aug 2009, 19:52

Volvo is the first car I have ever owned that required you to flush the brake fluid every 30,000 miles. Is this really required or is volvo just trying to make some more money in the shop

Post by **confused_al** » 27 Aug 2009, 07:54

Over time brake fluid absorbs moisture, it reduces hydrological effectiveness. I dont know what cars else you've owned, but all my other cars (benz, bmw, honda and etc) all need to bleed the brake system every so often.

Romort628 · Post by **Romort628** » 27 Aug 2009, 12:35

Thanks for the advice....
my other cars were bmw, ford, volvo

Post by **confused_al** » 27 Aug 2009, 13:22

You're welcome,
In fact, the brake fluid replacement interval is not defined by car manufactures rather by the brake fluid maker. Like ATE brake fluid, used by most euro cars, asks for 3yr/30k replacement interval for their DOT4's.
http://www.ate-na.com/generator/www/us/ ... fo_us.html

Romort628 · Post by **Romort628** » 27 Aug 2009, 18:37

Is there a easy way a do it yourself guy can do it at home or do you need a power bleeder. I could have the wife pump the pedal and hold it.....

Post by **JDS60R** » 27 Aug 2009, 18:44

For the cost of a pressure bleeder its not worth the possible master cylinder seal rip that comes from pumping to far.

The pressure bleeder is just a plastic pump sprayer you can buy in the lawn and garden section of Lowes or similar.

Just mount it to a used MC cap - or buy one online and you are good to go.

Or you can buy one already built with cap for around $60