20k Service Extras

[rwtomkins]

My TDI is in for its second annual service (20,000 miles) and I've just had a call from the dealer saying the only extra thing is a brake fluid change costing around

[Guest nelse]

I think it's because the brake fluid change is scheduled at two years old and not 20,000 miles, or at least that was what i was lead to believe by the service department when asking around about 20,000 mile services. They asked if the car was two years old, saying if it wasn't the fluid change could wait till it was.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

If they really know what they are doing, they will take a sample of brake fluid and measure its boiling point to see if it needs changing. Personally I get mine changed every 3 years.

[rwtomkins]

Sorry not to be clear, the car is indeed two years old - the mileage is a lot less than 20K. I still don't underastand- if the fluid change is required at the 2-year interval it should surely be included in the price, and if it's not, it shouldn't be on the schedule.

[Masked Marauder]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, it absorbs water. This water then corrodes the inside of the brake components. Not only can that cause pitting and leaks, particles of corrosion can get into the ABS pump and jam it.

 

Considering the price of ABS pumps, master cylinders, calipers etc,

[seatkid]

Difficult one this, yes brake fluid should be changed but how often? (Its a bit like the air/fuel filter question)

 

Depends on circumstances and the likelyhood of exposure to water. Ivors suggestion makes sense - how do you judge water content from that test Ivor?

 

As my car spends 95% of its time in a dry garage, I don't feel the need for a 2 yr change, though a change and good flush through when you change pads makes sense, all the crap seems to accumulate in the calipers.

 

Some insurance companies may frown upon brake fluid change being extended ...

 

The big question is how do garages change the fluid? I suspect they just suck some out of the reservoir with a syringe and top up. Which isn't good enough in my opinion.....for what its worth....

 

BTW RWTomkins ...bent sills aren't on the schedule but are usually included in the service!! ;)

[Masked Marauder]

The big question is how do garages change the fluid? I suspect they just suck some out of the reservoir with a syringe and top up. Which isn't good enough in my opinion.....for what its worth....

 

A special reservoir is put onto the brake reservoir.

 

A vacuum device worked by compressed air is then attached to each nipple in turn in the correct bleed order, and the fluid is drawn through until the clean fluid comes through.

 

And believe me, even with two years old fluid you can see the difference.

[seatkid]

Which means old and new fluid is mixed. Yes the first two eggcaps full are usually loaded with crap, but do they draw at least half a litre through?

 

(If theres water in the fluid, it'll be in the reservoir fluid rather than in the pipes so they draw that through the system......)

 

What is the "correct" bleed order?

[Ivor_E_Tower]

I don't know how the boiling point test works - only that the garage that I let service my cars does this test. In fact, now I remember, when they serviced mine last time they recommended fluid change but I said I'd have it done next year, and they then said that they had done a "boiling point" test anyway and that it didn't need changing just yet. I think with main dealers, it's just another ploy to make money; if it needs changing it should be on the schedule and included in the price - a bit like aircon system top-up and re-gas (and Ford are not the only "offenders" on this matter).

[rwtomkins]

I think I see now - it's a bit like the cambelt & tensioner change at 40K on the TDI. I presume that's not included in the price of the basic service either but it's highly advisable to get it done.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Absolutely right

:ph34r: