Lexus Brake Fluid Change
Brake Fluid Change
Hydraulic fluid that is moved from the master cylinder (behind your foot when you press the brake pedal) to the braking system at the wheels, typically calipers in the front and calipers (disc) or wheel cylinders (drum) in the rear.
Service Interval: 2 years, or as required when tested
Many manufacturers like Lexus do not have brake fluid change intervals. Brake fluid deteriorates over time and can be tested for how much metal it has leached from the system. Test strips, which test parts per million of copper, show how much metal has been leeched into the system. Brake fluid is also hydroscopic, which means it absorbs water. Although it is a mostly sealed system, moisture can still be absorbed into the system, making the brake fluids’ boiling point much lower, which can result in a very soft pedal under heavy braking.
Why do we replace/service:
Aside from the benefit of bleeding the whole system at the time, returning a better pedal feel, brake fluid becomes corrosive over time. Replacing it replenishes the corrosion inhibitors.
What happens if we don’t service:
It actually can leech copper out of the brake lines, eventually leading to leaks (internal and external) and potential ABS hydraulic unit problems.
General Recommendations:
Another relatively inexpensive service, the gain in pedal feel from bleeding the fluid at the same time is a good thing, as well as preventive maintenance for the system.
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