1999*

Hi all,
So I have not had any brake issues, but I want to prevent any possible issue staying on top of maintenance and proper fluid levels and etc.

I haven't had a brake fluid flush for 18k miles or so, but I want to make sure the fluid is OK in the brake master cylinder. So I purchased a black electrode brake fluid tester, some brake fluid from the lexus dealer, but even the lexus dealer brake fluid shows as 4% on the tester (this is the second tester). This is also the second bottle of lexus brake fluid that shows as having a 3 or 4% level on the brake fluid tester (which supposedly means you need to get it replaced).

Why is the fluid directly from the lexus dealer, which is sealed and capped, giving me a moisture reading? Should I trust the tester and a get third bottle or just put in the new fluid and not worry about it? I mainly want to make sure my brake parts aren't dealing with dirty/old fluid. In a few thousand miles, I want to do a full bleed and flush but not right now.

Thank you for any and all insights.

 

I have to ask, why would you buy brake fluid at a dealer? My personal experience with those test strips is they don't work maybe I got a bad batch. I replace brake fluid ever 3-4 years it has served me well. Your idea is good walk into your favourite auto parts store and grab some brake fluid and give it the same test.

Do the Toyota bottles have any date on them? I know for sure that once you open a bottle of brake fluid the clock is ticking it will go bad by simply sitting.

 

They tend to give me a good deal, and I just like going with dealer if the price makes sense. He said it was recently delivered, and it had a seal that you puncture, which seemed intact before I opened it.

Yeah I guess I should. My sense is that it’s fine. But good point. Maybe I’ll try the test strip kind.

 

Does the fluid look clear? Brake fluid always turns darker over time as is absorbs moisture.

 

New stuff looks very clear, and the fluid in my brake master cylinder is a lot clearer than before

 

Seems unlikely what you got from your dealer is bad they go through a whole lot of the stuff it doesn't sit around collecting dust.

 

Yeah, right? He said it was new too, and it’s the second bottle that showed up like this. Guess I’ll compare it another like you suggested and maybe try another kind of test strip. Thank you!

 

Got a brake test strip kit, and fluid looks fine

Thanks!

 

The moisture pen you have is not accurate?

 

Yeah, it was giving me weird readings. Like I bought another container of brake fluid new, like O Reilly's generic dot 3, and it showed a 3% rating right out of the container.

Someone suggested the brake test strips, stating they are more accurate, and they show as OK for my brake fluid after I put in more of the new lexus brake fluid.

 

I have seen 30 year old vehicles that still had the original brake fluid in their system. I am not discourging anyone from staying on top of their vehicles maintanance, its a great ideal. And if you purchase new fluids, in a sealed bottle, then you hqve nothing to worry about. The new brake fluid should ensure the brake system is fully operational, and you really dont need to top it off or anything, just do another flush and fill in 5 years and dont give it another thought til then.