I have a question. I am in the middle of revamping my entire brake system. I am installing disc's up from and rebuilding the rear drums. The problem is, the car won't have an engine for at least a year. I am afraid that in that time the system will rust some or freeze, like it has already from sitting for 1-2 years. Would getting in the car once or twice a month and pumping the brakes prevent problems from starting, or should I refrain from installing the new MC and fluid until the engine is more ready?

I have also heard that brake fluid over time gets contamined and needs to be flushed ever few years anyways?

 

I have some of these http://brakefluidtest.com/ they do work.If your car is gonna sit that long id put the rotors in a bag to keep from rusting and a bag over the caliper to keep the piston from sticking.

 

I'd install everything, fill it up, and bleed it all to prevent corrosion, but be prepared to change the brake fluid again before driving it. You should flush brake fluid at least once every two years.

 

I had my rotors front and back nickel-cadmium plated to prevent rusting. I did my fronts like spring of last year and there is still no rust on them. I also had the front calipers powder coated black, so they wont rust up, and the spindles/backing plate/etc. were either new or cleaned very well and painted black. Only thing I worry about is the piston sticking...There are no brake lines, so I can't add fluid or pump it every so often.

Wouldn't it be great if they froze up and the hole thing goes right in the trash...

Just got my new rear calipers today, which will be powdercoated too, but the idiots forgot alot of the parts. For 150$ (210$ before cores), those ****'s better be fully equiped and working!

 

Hi Nick,

yah as Tad says brake fluid is hygroscopic. means that fluid attracts water. even with everything tight it'll manage one way or another. in most cases at MC and where it meets the calipers. this water from air will contaminate the brake fluid as in decreasing boiling point and other capabilities. therefore it needs changing quite often.

You can put it all together and just change the brake fluid occasionally. but if you have your car outside in high humidity (like me) then rotors will start rusting very very soon.
I'd say even if you would plate it, after a few brakes that should be all wiped off and start again.
For this your question only depends on what kinda storage you have and if the parts are protected (powercoated calipers etc)

Kalli

 

Well they are going to be in my storage unit on the car for till at least Sept. And here is Houston it is very humid. I guess I will paint them before leaving them too long. And change the fluid every 5-6 months or so.

Sound like a plan?

 

That is what I am afraid of. So I want to make sure I take good preventive steps.

 

don't worry about the fluid. fill up and change the whole lot of brake fluid once you want to drive it. no need to do that every 6 months when in storage. def not