Brake fluid change

Sticking my nose in Nanu but wherever you go maybe ask if they do a full change or half, as some places just suck out what’s in the reservoir then top it up and call that a change. :thumbsdown:
 
The other thing to look out for if it hasnt been changed for a while is seized nipples! Then you have the extra cost of getting the old one out and tapping and fitting a new one.
 
john-e89 said:
Sticking my nose in Nanu but wherever you go maybe ask if they do a full change or half, as some places just suck out what’s in the reservoir then top it up and call that a change. :thumbsdown:

You’re kidding me! That’s criminal.
Rob
 
Smartbear said:
john-e89 said:
Sticking my nose in Nanu but wherever you go maybe ask if they do a full change or half, as some places just suck out what’s in the reservoir then top it up and call that a change. :thumbsdown:



You’re kidding me! That’s criminal.
Rob

Agreed Rob but I’m afraid it happens, along with a whole host of dodges some are happy to do.

It’s like the building trade eg, unless you know what to look for to check for yourself they can get away with all sorts should they be of that persuasion. :x
 
john-e89 said:
Sticking my nose in Nanu but wherever you go maybe ask if they do a full change or half, as some places just suck out what’s in the reservoir then top it up and call that a change. :thumbsdown:
Cheers, will do
 
Excuse my ignorance but if all is drained from the reservoir through all nipples individually and the tank is topped up along the way wouldn't that
be a complete change?
 
Zed Baron said:
The other thing to look out for if it hasnt been changed for a while is seized nipples! Then you have the extra cost of getting the old one out and tapping and fitting a new one.

I would hope G29s won't be suffering from that problem yet!
 
Smartbear said:
You’re kidding me! That’s criminal.
Nope, it happens. I would suspect more from main dealers too, as there is a 'going rate' for a brake fluid change, which is around £80-90.
When a main dealer charges £200 per hour (plus) these days, there is not much money to be made if they drain the entire system, then bleed it.
And of course, the only reason for changing brake fluid is because it absorbs moisture over time, so if they are changing 50% they can argue it has 50% less moisture in it!

Could be worse....I have read many stories recently of Ford main dealers not changing oil on a service if the mileage is below what they deem necessary (around 9k miles). They charge the full service rate, but are often doing absolutely nothing, realistically.
 
zedwheels said:
Excuse my ignorance but if all is drained from the reservoir through all nipples individually and the tank is topped up along the way wouldn't that
be a complete change?

Yes but that’s the issue zed, they don’t drain through any nipples, they just suck out what fluid is in the reservoir, top it up, and that’s it, job finished. 5 mins.
 
Pondrew said:
Smartbear said:
You’re kidding me! That’s criminal.
Nope, it happens. I would suspect more from main dealers too, as there is a 'going rate' for a brake fluid change, which is around £80-90.
When a main dealer charges £200 per hour (plus) these days, there is not much money to be made if they drain the entire system, then bleed it.
And of course, the only reason for changing brake fluid is because it absorbs moisture over time, so if they are changing 50% they can argue it has 50% less moisture in it!

Could be worse....I have read many stories recently of Ford main dealers not changing oil on a service if the mileage is below what they deem necessary (around 9k miles). They charge the full service rate, but are often doing absolutely nothing, realistically.

The 50% argument doesn’t stack up, moisture gathers at the lowest points so it’s the wheel cylinders/brake calipers where the problem area will be at its worst-it’s also where it can be most dangerous as heavy braking will transmit most heat to the caliper & not the reservoir (which may have just had its fluid changed)
If the water content starts to boil you have no brakes!
Rob
 
Pondrew said:
Smartbear said:
You’re kidding me! That’s criminal.


Could be worse....I have read many stories recently of Ford main dealers not changing oil on a service if the mileage is below what they deem necessary (around 9k miles). They charge the full service rate, but are often doing absolutely nothing, realistically.
You be careful with that new Focus of yours.
 
I’ve been quoted £120 to change the brake fluid on my 128ti from Arnold Clark, just can’t see where the cost is, apart from the crazy hourly rate main dealers are charging, glad the M40i has a 5 year service package :rofl:
 
john-e89 said:
zedwheels said:
Excuse my ignorance but if all is drained from the reservoir through all nipples individually and the tank is topped up along the way wouldn't that
be a complete change?


Yes but that’s the issue zed, they don’t drain through any nipples, they just suck out what fluid is in the reservoir, top it up, and that’s it, job finished. 5 mins.

Bloody hell that's criminal. :evil:
I had my zed done by a mate who runs a garage for the maintenance of a fleet and stayed with him while he drained off the fluid through each wheel nipple while the pressure tank kept topping up the fluid reservoir it was so simple. Make no sense to just drain the fluid tank and top that up leaves all the old fluid in the lines and then charge what they do but customers don't get to see what's going on. Crooks!!
 
Cheers guys. Certainly a lot to think about.

Will be going to a trusted Indy but will be asking all the right questions now :thumbsup:
 
Boyo said:
You be careful with that new Focus of yours.
When it goes for it's first service, I shall be staying and watching! Dealers (and tyre fitters) hate it, but I have trust issues :D
 
Pondrew said:
Boyo said:
You be careful with that new Focus of yours.
When it goes for it's first service, I shall be staying and watching! Dealers (and tyre fitters) hate it, but I have trust issues :D
Won't the new owner by then be annoyed that you are there? :poke: :D
 
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