Quote:
Originally Posted by The Critic
BRAKE FLUID -- Ford does not recommend changing DOT 3 fluid or flushing the system. Ford says their recommendation is a "risk versus benefit" assessment because there's a potential for doing more damage than good. If sediment or contamination from the master cylinder is pushed through the ABS unit, it can cause big problems. Flushing the system also increases the risk of air entrapment and leaks, says Ford.
Ford says their brake systems are engineered to tolerate brake fluid contamination of up to 3 percent moisture without fluid boil (which is close to the saturation point for DOT 3 brake fluid). If the fluid has more moisture, it probably has some liquid water in it and should be changed.
Ford said they measured the water content in 7 to 10 year old Ford vehicles and found that the water content was actually quite low: only 1 to 1-1/2 percent. So based on their findings and the design target of 3 percent water, they see no need to change the fluid for preventive maintenance.
Does pushing the caliper pistons in when changing the pads push contaminants from the calipers back toward the ABS unit or master cylinder? Ford says no. There's not enough movement or migration to cause a problem.
BIG 3 BRAKE SYMPOSIUM 2001
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Interesting that a company that in my experience has had some of the worse problems with internal system corrosion would say this, but I can't say it surprises me. Your article here is old, 2001 but all through the '90's I saw problem with Ford verticals, like seized up calipers, bad dump valve, rusted up wheels cylinders, and fluid warning lights stuck on, all with the nastiest blackest brake fluid you ever seen. But this is Ford and maybe why we all own Toyotas.
But I will also give you and Ford this, I have never seen a ABS unit damaged from the fluid being pushed back to the master. But the warnings make sense, it is posible and why take a chance. It's just as easy to push the fluid out the bleeder.
And then there is more resent findings about brake fluid:
Industry Adopts Brake Fluid Replacement Guidelines, Bill Williams, Brake & Front End, May, 2004
Since Ford made these statements it has been found that copper contamination is more of a reason to change your fluid then moister contamination. Still most manufactures do not give fluid change intervals. (Take a good look at the pictures of internal corrosion)
From someone who has opened up hundreds if not thousands of brake system in his life, I can tell you it's a good idea to change your brake fluid at lest when you replace brakes pads.
Mike