A few months ago I posted something regarding my fluids. When I was in for an oil change the dealer recommended that I change my brake and transmission fluid stating that the brake fluid was "black".

First of all, isn't the brake fluid a closed system? Second, isn't most fluid black? Second, what the hell would I have done between 0 and 70k miles that would require me to change my brake fluid? And finally, where is it listed in the owners manual to do so? (I live in Florida, does that make a difference?)

I can understand the need to change the transmission fluid, I would completely be ok with that. Or should I?

What should I do?

 

Fluid exchange?? I think its a little late for THAT talk LMAO J/K

Maybe he saw someting that was off...or maybe he was full of **** all together?? Its worth a second opinion but, its your money. The transmission however, isn't a bad idea with the amount of miles you have on your car already. Personally I would go with the transmission fluid and hold off on the brake one.

 

Look at the fluid in your brake reservoir and check to see if it's black for yourself. I wouldn't chnage it if it isn't.

I think changing the tranny fluid (a good power flush is what I'm accustomed to on other cars I've owned) is simply good preventive maintenance and 60k-100k miles would be a good time to do it if your car is just an average DD; maybe sooner if you do a LOT of city/stop-and-go driving.

 

Here is a link to a good article on brake fluid you can read through. Use for a reference and determine your course of action.
http://www.type2.com/library/brakes/brakef.htm

Here is another excellent read on the topic:
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf50412.htm

 

Another thing you can do is take your vehicle to a reputable, Ford Dealership and ask them if they have brake fluid test strips. If they do, or use some means of testing besides looking at it, they can easily and quickly test your fluid to determine if a flush is required.

 

Bleeding the brakes should be a yearly maintenance. The brake fluid generally used in street cars is designed to remove moisture from the system. Over a period of time, the brake pedal will feel spongy. New fluid will firm it back up - I promise and speak from experience. I too waited until this year to bleed the brakes on my 05 with 45K on the clock, and what came out of there looked like used motor oil. It's supposed to be clear!