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12-29-2017, 08:18 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Chandler Arizona
Posts: 26
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Contaminated brake fluid?
In another thread, I outlined a problem I am having with my brakes. In the course of looking around, I have come to suspect that I may have contaminated brake fluid. What is best way to be sure that it is? I don't want to have to start replacing all of the stuff I will have to replace until I am absolutely sure.
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12-29-2017, 08:28 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: CT
Posts: 277
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Re: Contaminated brake fluid?
contaminated with what? Flush the system.
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12-30-2017, 12:03 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Euless, Texas
Posts: 515
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Re: Contaminated brake fluid?
Inspect fluid in MC front and rear reservoir. If there is a definite discoloration, may be contaminated. I had this 2 years ago when I purchased my 74. Rear was contaminated, green looking fluid. Replaced MC, rear cylinders, flushed lines, all is well since. Not saying yours is, but worth inspecting.
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1974 Cheyenne 10 LWB Stock 350 W/HEI /TH350/AC/4 BBL Quadrajet Mopar by Birth Chevy by Choice |
12-30-2017, 01:54 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Chandler Arizona
Posts: 26
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Re: Contaminated brake fluid?
It is discolored and and cap gasket is swollen and deformed. I am almost certain it is contaminated but I am wondering if there is any way to check further.
If it is, what do you guys think is the best course. there is so much rubber (seals, hoses etc.) in a brake system that I think I will have to replace the MC, flex lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, any thing with rubber. Are there rubber seals in the proportioning valve? |
12-30-2017, 02:10 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Posts: 755
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Re: Contaminated brake fluid?
Contaminated brake fluid doesn't necessarily mean you need to change the rubber. It might just have absorbed too much water over the years.
I had a similar problem with a motorcycle. I think the brake fluid just absorbed too much water, lowering the boiling point. When the system developed any heat, the fluid would expand, which caused pressure, which caused the brakes to drag, which caused more heat, which caused more pressure... until the rear brakes essentially locked up. I never had to replace the rubber, I just flushed the system, and it functioned perfectly after that. (of course, replacing aged rubber lines might not be a bad idea anyways)
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12-30-2017, 04:41 AM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Chandler Arizona
Posts: 26
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Re: Contaminated brake fluid?
It is discolored and and cap gasket is swollen and deformed. I am almost certain it is contaminated but I am wondering if there is any way to check further.
If it is, what do you guys think is the best course. there is so much rubber (seals, hoses etc.) in a brake system that I think I will have to replace the MC, flex lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, any thing with rubber. Are there rubber seals in the proportioning valve? |
12-30-2017, 06:17 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Barber City, CA
Posts: 4,791
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Re: Contaminated brake fluid?
brake fluid is hygroscopic
the absorbed water causes oxidation and changes color as well as affecting compressibility.. should also verify compatible type of brake fluid for the system.. might want to consider total flush and replace all elastomers [soft parts] or components with them inside.. decent article should clear things up a little.. What You Should Know About Brake Fluid make no compromises in your brake system please.. not only your life but your passengers lives and the lives of other motorists depends on it! good luck!
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