When is the last time you flushed your brake fluid?
 

Since the brake fluid is hygroscopic and attracts water, it lowers the temperature that the fluid can tolerate before expanding and locking your brakes.

Usually this should be done every 2 or 3 years, and I wonder when it was the last time you have done this. A bottle of brake fluid is inexpensive and the procedure itself is quite simple, but 2 people should make it easier. So there is not really an excuse not to do it.


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BMW's schedule is every 2 years. Their brake lines last a long time due to this.

Anyone with a Series 2 notice that the brake reservoir has a large float the blocks most of the brake side of the brake/clutch reservoir? My solution for exhausting the old fluid before a flush is to use a dropper with a used WD-40 spray tube attached. It can safely bypass the large float and empty the reservoir prior to bleeding the brake lines - albeit slow. Any other
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DIY tools to quickly empty the reservoir without placing large stress on that float?
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Improvised brake reservoir drain tool
 

Just replaced my fluid 2 days ago. I used an old cleaning bottle with sprayer. The spray pump with long tube works excellent for getting at all the fluid in the reservoir and drains it quickly, too.

Had my 8 ten years now, and I do it every two years, like clockwork.

It does not 'expand and lock your brakes.' The water attracted by the fluid boils and turns to steam--some of which remains gaseous after it cools. After that event, you have air in your system, which is compressible and reduces your braking power. Alternatively, the water corrodes internal brake components and causes them to fail.

I bleed the brakes in my 8 every 2 to 3 months, but I track it at least once per month, so I have to. I bleed the brakes in my other cars every 2 to 3 years and find that to be sufficient.

I have a Harbor Freight vacuum pump. I can clean the hose, then flatten it and slip it into the front of the reservoir and suck out most of the fluid that way. The newspaper is a nice touch. I do the same thing with paper towels.