Brake Fluid, when was yours changed?

[skymaster]

I recently bought a 3 year old A4 TDI with full Audi service history. Done 55k and registered Oct 2003! Despite seeing the dealers twice since new it had never had a break fluid service!!!

I had it done straight away and I must say noticed a very slight sharpening up of the brakes after.

I know it's due every 2 years. I guess the reason for this post is to say make sure you check it carefully when buying a used car and get it done if you cant see evidence of it.

[MalcQV]

Just replaced the rear brake pipes on the M-I-L's 97 Mazda 121 (same as Ford Fiesta of same year) so I replaced all the fluid whilst I was at it. I can't say whether it has improved the brakes but she is OK about them.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Good advice.

skymaster, how much were you charged, and was it at a main *******?

Rgds

[skymaster]

Yes, was at ******* central in the main. I got it for £40, about 20 off as I know the guys there. They did my cambelt last week as well for £270! It's a VW dealers not an Audi but they also own the local Audi dealership so parts no problem.

[skymaster]

Come to think of it my last car was the same, bought it from a dealer, checked history then took it back for BFS as it had not been done in 2 years! When I worked for the other dealers I used to get it done every few months As it was F.O.C.

[sean red i]

had my second service few months ago, car was few months past two year old at the time. Dealer told me fluid had not been done. wasnt part of the service, it was an extra, given option if i wanted it done.could of said no,no pressure. had it done anyway. Doesnt show in service book just got reciept to go in service history. £70 if i remember got robbed.:zx11:

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Doesnt show in service book just got reciept to go in service history.

Are you sure? In the 2003 Audi service books, there is a separate tick box within each service record!


£70 if i remember got robbed.:zx11:

£86 was my last BFC - for one poxy litre of DOT 4 :aargh4: :aargh4:

[skymaster]

So My £40 was good then???

[Mav2006]

Mines is due in April 07 ( will be the second change) my question is..if at some point I need to pads, will they need/want to change fluid then? Also my car is going for MOT !!!! tomorrow, may ask them to do fluid at same time?

From memory I paid £50 2 years ago

Any thoughts ?

[MalcQV]

Mines is due in April 07 ( will be the second change) my question is..if at some point I need to pads, will they need/want to change fluid then? Also my car is going for MOT !!!! tomorrow, may ask them to do fluid at same time?

From memory I paid £50 2 years ago

Any thoughts ?

No there should be a service interval for replacing the brake fluid. I am guessing about every 3 years, the service book may tell you.

edited:- Just noticed Skymaster says every two.

[skymaster]

Yes, I believe it's 2 years for most cars these days.

I guess theres no harm in getting it done more often if you have a cut priced way of getting it done properly.

[skymaster]

Also worth remembering. If in the cars 3rd year it sufferes a fault with the braking system VAG will sometimes void a warranty claim if the brake fluid has never been changed. Rare that this would occur though.

[Dave Avant]

Do the Audis have a brake fluid warning symbol when its due for replacement? Does it appear on the service display on start up? My MG ZT and BMWs had a clock symbol that appeared at a timed 2 year interval so you know when its ready to be changed, more so if its not logged in the service handbook.

[sean red i]

dont think so dave, had mine from nearly new had two service,s, since, cars got full d.i.s display never seen anything except normal service flash etc when u get below 1000 miles left. there again never taken below zero miles left to service. just had sticker stuck in top corner of windscreen
sean

[devonutopia]

Not done mine since I've had the car (3 years now) but am putting in 2 litres of dot 5 fluid (top notch stuff) when I eventually fit my Brembos. :)

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Mines is due in April 07 ( will be the second change) my question is..if at some point I need to pads, will they need/want to change fluid then? Also my car is going for MOT !!!! tomorrow, may ask them to do fluid at same time?

From memory I paid £50 2 years ago

Any thoughts ?

New pads wouldn't automatically need a BFC. In any case, as your car is out of warranty (correct me if I'm wrong), then it would be prudent to avoid main ******* servicing/BFC/pad changes, etc - and try to find a reputable independent VAG specialist.

£50 for a main ******* BFC seems fair, even though it is only one litre of DOT 4, and a 10 minute job! Grrrrrr. :zx11:

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Not done mine since I've had the car (3 years now) but am putting in 2 litres of dot 5 fluid (top notch stuff) when I eventually fit my Brembos. :)

Not the silicone DOT 5 - awful stuff. If you want super high performance brake fluid, go for the DOT 5.1, which is glycol based, just like DOT 4. Read this linky: http://www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf40142.htm

If you are adamant on using the silcone stuff, you will need to change all your seals, yes all of them, including caliper piston seals, master cylinder seals, and ABS modulator seals. Could be expensive!

Rgds

[Teutonic_Tamer]

An external link regarding the issues of 2-yearly brake fluid changes: http://www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf50412.htm

[skymaster]

Wow TT
Great link! Thanks!

I would not normally get so **** about technical stuff but when it comes to breaks on cars you cant afford to neglect anything ,ever!

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Wow TT
Great link! Thanks!

Thanks ;)


I would not normally get so **** about technical stuff but when it comes to breaks on cars you cant afford to neglect anything ,ever!

Aye, brakes and tyres - the two most important components on any vehicle!