| Kris |
We have discussed to “death” oil changes but nobody mentioned brake fluid change/flash. Should it be done? If so how often? What fluid would you use?
I have checked in AutoZone and found this synthetic fluid. Approximately $6 per liter, or for change. Are there any advantages to synthetic fluids? Manual does not say anything about brake fluid changes, just “keeping it at right level”. |
|
|
| Enforcer |
| I don't know about brake fluid but in general, synthetics are not hygroscopic where mineral based typicaly is. |
|
|
| MightyMo |
You should flush every yay often, keeps the water that slowly leeches into the system from eating things and also lowering the boiling temp of the fluid. I did mine at 60K, but I don't think Nissan officially has a recommendation on that count.
As for the type of fluid, normal DOT3 fluid should be fine. Sexy synthetic high temp stuff like Motul 600 is what I use in my race car, it's got much higher dry and wet boiling points, but I honestly think that would be overkill for a Murano. |
|
|
| njjoe |
Kris-
What I find very surprising is that NISSAN has no recommendations for changing either the brake or power steering fluids. One would think they would have a 50 or 60,000 mile change interval so they could sell more services.
Either they (Nissan) believe the fluids have advanced to the point that they do not require replacement or their systems are configured in such a manner that they do not degrade the fluids.
-njjoe |
|
|
| MightyMo |
| Maybe Nissan just likes selling people new master cylinders and PS pumps every 100K'ish miles... ;) |
|
|
| Kris |
Thanks guys,
I agree. The fluid needs to be changed let’s say once a year or two. It is just too inexpensive. And brakes are an important safety component so better do it than be sorry.
It is funny why Nissan does not recommend it.
The only question now would be ATE blue or the one I saw in AutoZone….. |
|
|
| njjoe |
Kris-
I do not see any harm in changing the brake fluid on a annual (or bi-annual) basis as you suggest, however I do not see a need to do it.
If there were any safety issues involved don't you think Nissan would recommend replacement intervals? If anything, they are going to err on the side of safety. Since Nissan does not state any type of replacement schedule I think it is safe to say there is no real need to replace the brake fluid under normal use.
Just my two cents...
-njjoe |
|
|
| Gonzo |
My previous Nissan never mentioned it... My parent's Acura did, every 30K (or was it 60K).
At anyrate I would have it changed every 60K or 4 years. Its just a pain in the arsh to do. I found a local that would do it for $45 but I don't trust this to do a full flush correctly. |
|
|
| Nizmo |
Is anyone show me how to do it yourself on the brake fluid replacement/flush on MO is appreciated! Just want to get some insight before I operate on my MO. Thx~
NZM |
|
|
| Eric L. |
| I did my brake fluid flush using a Motive Power Bleeder - its a vacuum tank that attaches to the fluid reservoir, so you don't need to pump the brake pedal. Very very easy job with the Motive Power Bleeder. |
|
|
| Kris |
Just replaced/flushed the brake fluid. Used the synthetic as on the photo below. The sequence of tasks:
1. raise the car on jack stands.
2 remove wheels (it is a good opportunity the rotate them as well).
3. disconnect the battery.
4. "suck off" the brake fluid from the reservoir.
5. Put new fluid into the Motive Power Bleeder
6. Pressurize the Power Bleeder
7. start "bleeding". The correct sequence is: RR, FL, RL, FR.
The new fluid was basically transparent. And as the old one had sort of amber/gold color I could see when the system was flashed. The color of the fluid has changed. Entire process was very easy and quick. Thanks to the Power Bleeder.
Was it worth it? I do not know. What I do know however that I have now new brake fluid and it did not hurt. And the cost was minimal. For me it was worth doing. Next weekend is FX turn - brake and power steering fluids. |
|
|
| Kris |
| Motive Power Bleeder in action |
|
|
| njjoe |
Kris-
Was one can enough to bleed the whole system?
-njjoe |
|
|
| Kris |
Joe,
yes one can was enough. |
|
|
| Nizmo |
Thanks fellow MOs~
NZM |
|
|
|
