I remember learning you can check brake fluid with a volt meter. With negative lead to battery negative and positive in brake fluid, if the meter reads more than 3/10ths of a volt, then you have too much moisture in your brake fluid.
Thanks for this. The electronic 'brake fluid checker' is probably doing basically this, checking how conductive the fluid is; more conductive = more water = bad. You saved me a couple bucks, since I've already got a volt meter, I've already got a 'brake fluid checker'.
Or the brake fluid itself is actually making a small current? But regardless whether I can wrap my head around the science behind where the 0.3 volts are 'coming from'; the point stands that if we have a multimeter already, there is a way to test brake fluid using that.
Great video, I didn't know they made those either. Then again, I'm not a professional mechanic 😋. I know some people don't ever flush their brake system, it's definitely overlooked. What I've been doing is flushing my system when I do the pads/rotors. I bleed and refill every brake job. Having that moisture meter would definitely give me piece of mind. Thanks once again Faye😉
Yeah I change my brake fluid every two years Garlist of anything and I’m changing all my other fluids in my tundra 07 or anything I have a problem with I put a new trans filter and the bolts broke in the housing to take the transmission pan off only three of them poor design that dirt can get down in that and season BoltonGood video keep up the good work can’t wait to see you next one you’re awesome girl
i went 18 years without a flush on my Y2K impala. i flushed it and then a week later there was a rupture in the brake pipe going to the right front wheel. i found out the pipe and heat insulation was rubbing on the firewall and eventually wore through. then i spent way too much time and money replacing all of my rusty brake pipes. i had to bend all the lines by hand with a bending tool to match the old ones. silly me, should have lifted some from a junkyard car.
That is a great deal! I charge $90, but I do think that it's something that a newbie can take on! I just recommend saving a whole day for it in case you need to redo anything! As in don't plan on going anywhere and rush and stress yourself out!
Faye, do you clean your brake fluid reservoir when you do your fluid changes? I remember reading some guys take theirs off and put them in their dishwashers. Others remove them and spray them with brake cleaner and then rinse off and dry. I was interested in what you did at Toyota, what you do in your own vehicles, what you think best practice is? Does it just depend how gnarly it is? Thanks.
Yes! It indicates contamination which is most likely caused by breaking down of master cylinder cup seals and lines. Be careful when flushing! If your vehicle is old or it's been a long time since you've done a flush, sometimes it can cause more harm than good!!
Faye, my late Aunt left me her 2000 Corolla CE, with a 1.8 4cyl engine with a/c. According to her service receipts from the dealership last time coolant was changed was in 2013 at 27,000 miles. Car has 60,000 original miles now. I would like to keep using what Toyota recommends for coolant with regards to this car. What should I use? Also the brake fluid is still nice and clean looking. Also when should I replace spark plugs? I change oil every 3000 miles. Any information is appreciated.
smart I never knew they had testers I just swapped it all out threw the lines every so many years. and when I do a brake pad change I bleed out the crud in the piston caliper and in the line around the caliper. the heat around the caliper breaks down the fluid in the caliper and around the lines too
Hi Faye. I'm a 56 year old dude and I truly enjoy your videos especially your attitude, always happy and positive. If I'm having a lousy day, watching any of your videos cheers me up. I never knew about testing the brake fluid until I seen your video, so I ordered the tool. Thanks. Keep up the good work!
According to my Toyota Corolla repair manual (my previous car until a deer decided to trot out in front of me while driving one night), it says to change out the brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months, same as Lexus as you mentioned. But really, this is a good interval, even for a random hooptie. I mean, you gotta stop your car eventually.
Is there a difference in brake fluid quality for a same DOT rating ? For example I sometimes see 'synthetic' brake fluid what do they mean any benefits or just marketing tactic ? Let us know, thanks.
I have that exact tester and it's really crap. The battery wont stay in unless I tape it and I have to remove the battery to reset the lights. I got a replacement and it's the same thing
I have one of these testers at home but since I am away for work I ordered a new one a few days ago, I test at every oil change but flush the entire system every 30,000 miles or 10 oil changes just because not doing it can be what kills you if you cannot stop at 70 MPH on a Texas highway. One thing I would have added since most people do not detail under the hood would be to remove all dust and debris from the area before removing the cap. But most people also do not ever look at wheel studs or torque lug nuts properly either so they must like to drive death traps.
Great video, Faye. Not too many people even know what "hygroscopic" even means? I use a couple of refractometers that measure moisture content of brake fluid. I have a DOT 3 and a DOT 4. They're similar to coolant refractometers. I'm not totally sold on the copper content test strips yet. The bottom line is moisture content. Thanks for a most informative video. Keep up the great work.
@@FayeHadley, yes I do. I have one for DOT 3 and a separate one for DOT 4 fluid. They are really easy to use and are very accurate. I even use them to test new fluid that has been sitting on the shelf for awhile; just to make sure that it's still good. I've thought about buying one of the electronic ones too, and probably will now, based on your video.
Actually never tested or replaced my brake/clutch fluid since i bought my car 2007 its a 2006 model year.. always serviced at the dealer.. they never changed it aswell.. so i think its time to be checked. The repair that has been made is the brake hydraulik "thing" (BCM) brake control module. And there new fluid was added.. dont know if the whole systems are drained/replaced or.. just topped off... i have topped it off when i replaced the caliper rear.. if i remember the system takes about 1 litre or something.. a bit less.. it has no strange color in the expansion tank.. looks like it should. transparent/yellowish.. But i might order a brake fluid tester for sure.. cheap on amazon.. cant be that bad? what is it testing? resistance? can it be measured with a multimeter? what value does the tester find?
Looking forward to brake fluid flush video! Curious what tips you have for modern ABS systems, since they often require extra steps from a scan tool. Water in brake fluid can also cause swelling of brake hoses, restricting flow.
Yeah, im looking forward to that too.. changing brake fluid on a ABS system kan be a very hassle.. if you dont get ALL air out. You can be stuck with ABS warnings and stuff.. can be really hard to get everything out since its a very sensitive system.. might depend of the car model/system though :)
Excellent video Faye! Being that you are a Toyota expert, I was wondering if you had some input on the following. I want to replace my brake fluid and bleed the brakes on my 2014 FJ Cruiser, which has the hydroboost hydraulic system. I have the Toyota FSM and I am comfortable with the procedure. I am trying to drain the old fluid out of the brake fluid reservoir by suctioning it out, then refilling it with new DOT3 fluid prior to starting the bleeding process. However, I can't seem to figure out how to remove the strainer in the reservoir so that I can stick a small hose in there to suction out the old fluid. I've done this on many other vehicles with the traditional vacuum assist brake boosters by prying out the strainer, but I don't see how to do it on the hydroboost reservoir. I'm thinking you have probably run across the hydroboost system on the newer Toyotas with VSC, TRAC and A-TRAC, so if you have, could you tell me if it is even possible to drain the fluid from the hydroboost reservoir by suctioning it out? Thanks!
Great , detailed video maam. The brake fluid in my 2017 suzuki in Sri Lanka looked badly discoloured in only 3 yrs with around 20k miles. Perhaps, 2 yr change intervals are safer
One thing I had to add....sucks the dot 3 tester is only for dot 3 ..bit the dot 4 tester is only for dot 4 ...I feel like I'm getting ripped off like when the ps2 wouldn't play ps1 games
After using the pen tool, clean the brake fluid off tester really really well. My tip degraded to a point of plastic cracking to pieces in just weeks. Maybe I bought an amazon cheapo with wrong plastic.
Are you saying that the brake fluid should be flushed and replaced after 2 or 3 years even when the brake fluid is still clear and the moisture level is still good (i.e. below 2%)?
Awesome. Another great fact. I've been saying this for 20 years now, nobody believes me. Almost nobody flushes the brake fluid out. I always flush before installing the new caliper, why pump old nasty fluid into a brand new (Clean) caliper or why cyl?? I see it all the time. Great video. Really great work there. I love the chickens. You are funny, and really smart. Thank you again, Jim Tree
Dot 1 and 2 was made to last a lifetime, my dads 71 has never had brake line fluid flushed. It has had work done, but just added to. dot 4 and 5 has a different make up....so I am told...lol
If you do flush Grimm, show how to do it without tools I'd only use once every 2 years. Like no pressure vac. Kind of don't want that trigger pump bottle from Harbor Freight. No second person helper. I use the bottle above the nipple trick but like you said, any other ways I'm missing out on?
I knew about moisture thing ya know but never thought too much about how would you know when it in there just thought well piston seized up on wheel wore out pad must be rust from moisture right and changed it in the process all the brake fluid was changed out well almost all of it great video I learned something so my 30yr old isuzu trooper is ready for new lines by now I'm guessing the master cly. is always turning black guessing thats gunk in the lines I do change out the fluid in it alot but it turns again black when I first got it changed the brakes pads 4 wheel disk brakes super nice and replaced all the wheel hardware and their alot stuff in there all kind of clips and springs grease rubber boots the back rotors got changed easy enough but the front ones didn't cause would have to pull the 4x4 guts out of the axle and didn't feel like changing that on a smooth rotor should of but next time plus front pads were fine still had alot life ceramic pads but hardware was worn out guessing they didn't bother on last pad change so got new .
They also make strips that you dip if you don’t want to spend buku bucks on a digital gauge. If your fluid is also green good indication there is moisture in the system.
This video suggests otherwise. They basically say you need to heat up the brake fluid to test the boiling point. Check it out to see if you agree: ruclips.net/video/mWPkedgHnrA/видео.html
I had a professor once that I learned from also works at Toyota from auto tech school, when I took a brakes class, I learned to have a good habit of testing both for copper and moisture, you’ll never know, on some cars could have both copper and moisture content at the same time. Your videos are also very helpful too, sure does help refresh my memory from what I learned in auto tech school.
I should keep open fluid in a smaller bottle so it doesn’t hydrate from the air. Also good reason to buy smaller bottles of brake fluid. I’m using type 4 in my Toyota + now where it recommends 3. Seems like 5.1 (not 5.0) is also better than fine for DOT 3 applications.
Nice; some people are cheap and delay as much as they can the maintenance of their cars, they should know why that's bad and that delay it too much could be more expensive at the end than do it on time. Hope you're feeling better and that you get soon.
Yup. That's about the interval that I've always used for all of my vehicles, 24k miles or 2 years. Only had to replace one brake line in the last 30 years and that was on a boneyard rear end out of a '67 Cutlass.
Thanks for this cool gadget, just ordered it. Edit: Some google results suggest the voltage between the fluid in the reservoir and ground should be less than 0.3v. But I would replace it per manufacturer recommendations.
Great video! I just changed my brake fluid so I really enjoyed this. In the brake fluid change video, could you touch on how to change/fix a locked bleeder valve? I got one of those $10 testers and have been checking all my friends and family cars. The water turning to vapor (gas) translates to spongy pedal feel; super dangerous. The hot, high pressure system exacerbates this. Here's a Z compressibility chart: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressibility_factor
Yes! If I find that one is failing, then I will just replace it but perhaps I will make this into a separate video! My brake fluid flush video is already like 25 minutes long 😂
@@FayeHadley Awesome! I watch your videos because they're more technically rich, so the longer videos are what makes your channel unique to me. I think other channels are more hand-wavy about proper procedures. I appreciate your and Danny's technical savvy.
Well, I’m a long time dyi’er and that was great in information and good to know. Driving newer cars these years and going to the dealer for my services I know what to look for oak the next time I go. Thanks a lot Faye !!!
Hey Faye, that’s awesome I’ve always just changed the fluid every three years I didn’t realize you could get a tester so inexpensively I’m definitely going to pick one up my truck is coming up on it’s 2 year birthday i’ll see if the fluid needs to be changed. The other day during Danny’s first live stream he pan right by you and I thought you were wearing rollerskates don’t ask me why I had to rewind it, you weren’t I thought you might’ve done it for a goof seeing if anybody would notice weird how the mind works. Hope Hope all is well and have a great one🐔🐔🐔👍
My old 2006 Toyota Matrix brake fluid was yellowish after 150,000 miles when I flushed her back in 2017. My company has a 2006 GMC one ton duramax w/ over 200k miles and that truck has seen better days. The brake fluid on that truck was brown.
@@FayeHadley also it generally isn't always necessary to top off brake fluid during service intervals. If the reservoir level drops (but not to critically low) it's usually brake wear. I've learned the hard way when replacing brake pads and ended up rummaging for a turkey baster to decant the brake fluid reservoir.
@@CO84trucker I use an old hand soap dispenser. stick the end of the stick in the tank and the nose of the pump in the bottle. Added bonus, it's thin width lets you see how bad the fluid is. Basters leak!
Out here in the land of budget restrictions we only replaced the fluid that got away when replacing a component or maybe during a complete overhaul. Even back in the day when I 'drive it like I stole it' I could make drum brakes fade out but they never got mushy like air in the lines. I'm glad you got a good meter; reviews are mixed on Amazon because of Communist Chinese quality control.
And they're hackers too. And while it's not generally hacking, they do a thing, there's a name for it, where they mail people randomly in the US product and then they review it as if they bought it as those people. Verified as a purchaser. They will also manipulate the listing and sell something else initially but after a while take the high stars and completely remove the old and put a new item there. Fraudulent.
I changed the fluid in my car almost 2 years ago after buying it at auction. had rust issues inc. the petcock/zurck type things where you bleed off the old brake fluid, which were replaced and on the outside is pretty rusty esp around the mounting brackets, ive dealt with what i can but without stripping it cant get all the rust. Plus in CA we not experts in rust abatement. Thanks for the post Im gonna follow up on the copper test strips!
I never seen zerk spelled that way before! Watch South Main Auto for daily rust dealings. If the nips on calipers are rusted shut might as well bleed near the back opening the banjo bolt. Otherwise you just break the zerk and then have to drill it out and that's if you can even save the threads. Otherwise just get a pick a part or dismantler used and call it a day.
Thanks for the video! I'll try to schedule my 2020 camry for its 5k service tomorrow. I guess I find out if I have a reputable dealership. Wish me luck! Love the videos!
@@FayeHadley On a serious note, would you know, or can guide me with precise installation of a 2012 TUNDRA kill switch. I would like to do it with my fuel pump control(wires thingy).....
you're the best Faye! Do you have room in your heart for a guy that is "bad vibes only"? Thanks for explaining this, I always wondered why dot3 went bad.
I don't believe in someone who is all bad vibes!! Every day is a battle between good vs evil, and that person just needs a helping hand! Everyone can be salvaged!!! 💗
Very interesting concept! Unfortunately when I checked the reviews on amazon for "ITEQ Brake Fluid Liquid Tester Pen with 5 LED Indicators, Calibrated For DOT3 DOT4 Brake Fluid " there were several complaints of bogus readings. They did a "confidence test" by testing brand new unopened DOT3 and DOT4 containers, and the reader came back with a 3% moisture reading.
It isn't the fluid that does it, it's that it tends to bond to the steel and then absorbs moisture. The ingredients also will remove any oils and most coatings to allow the air and moisture even better "access" to the metal. About the same as the foam the various companies use as sound deadener and reinforcement absorbs salt and water and then holds it like a sponge.
I didn’t even know you had to change brake fluid. Omg, where have I been? I bet all 7 vehicles on our place need this desperately. I do remember my Dad saying brake fluid eats paint and once opened, it attracts moisture. It was cool seeing you use “lab supplies” like pipettes and test strips. I had a Dr. on my route order pipettes and they showed up in a rather small box that out company had shipped FedEx for $3.40. She opened it to find 1 pipette, not one box of 1,000! Can’t believe they shipped only 1. Haaaa! Thank you Faye for the heads up. I’m ordering that tester right now. Cute sleepy, cackle bird. You cackled with her. Fun!
Oh my gosh that's amazing!!! HAHAHAHA yes get the package of MANY! BUT BE CAREFUL when flushing fluid for the first time on older cars ... Sometimes the debris and build up in the system actually helps the seals!! And when you put in clean fluid and flush it through, the master cylinder can fail. So proceed with caution!
Thanks for the warning, Faye. It must be similar to unchanged transmission fluid. Our rule is if you don’t know it’s been changed on an old vehicle (150,000k or more), don’t! But I’m assuming maybe the “drain a little, add a little” trick might help?
I remember learning you can check brake fluid with a volt meter. With negative lead to battery negative and positive in brake fluid, if the meter reads more than 3/10ths of a volt, then you have too much moisture in your brake fluid.
Thanks for this. The electronic 'brake fluid checker' is probably doing basically this, checking how conductive the fluid is; more conductive = more water = bad.
You saved me a couple bucks, since I've already got a volt meter, I've already got a 'brake fluid checker'.
Or the brake fluid itself is actually making a small current?
But regardless whether I can wrap my head around the science behind where the 0.3 volts are 'coming from'; the point stands that if we have a multimeter already, there is a way to test brake fluid using that.
Thank you for the tip, i will try that!
@@nathanferguson4479 did you test it with a multimeter?
Interesting, I never knew there was a way to test it.
Dude, it's 21 century
@@vasya6175 😂
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that my fluid being almost black, could need a change :) but awesome video
Great video, I didn't know they made those either. Then again, I'm not a professional mechanic 😋. I know some people don't ever flush their brake system, it's definitely overlooked. What I've been doing is flushing my system when I do the pads/rotors. I bleed and refill every brake job. Having that moisture meter would definitely give me piece of mind. Thanks once again Faye😉
Yeah I change my brake fluid every two years Garlist of anything and I’m changing all my other fluids in my tundra 07 or anything I have a problem with I put a new trans filter and the bolts broke in the housing to take the transmission pan off only three of them poor design that dirt can get down in that and season BoltonGood video keep up the good work can’t wait to see you next one you’re awesome girl
I just found your channel, I subscribed. Are you Scotty Kilmer's daughter ?
Haha I'm not! But thank you so much for your sub!!
i went 18 years without a flush on my Y2K impala. i flushed it and then a week later there was a rupture in the brake pipe going to the right front wheel. i found out the pipe and heat insulation was rubbing on the firewall and eventually wore through. then i spent way too much time and money replacing all of my rusty brake pipes. i had to bend all the lines by hand with a bending tool to match the old ones. silly me, should have lifted some from a junkyard car.
I just bleed the brakes into a clear or white container , and judge the health of the fluid by it's appearance ...
Holy crap!!!! Man I'm going to change my fluid this weekend, thank you so much great video!!.
Thank you!!!
I don't know. Can't trust that your really FAYE without the name tag
Is that something that a newby should take on? If not, my local shop has a coupon for $59.99 to flush out the brake fluid...?
That is a great deal! I charge $90, but I do think that it's something that a newbie can take on! I just recommend saving a whole day for it in case you need to redo anything! As in don't plan on going anywhere and rush and stress yourself out!
Faye, do you clean your brake fluid reservoir when you do your fluid changes? I remember reading some guys take theirs off and put them in their dishwashers. Others remove them and spray them with brake cleaner and then rinse off and dry. I was interested in what you did at Toyota, what you do in your own vehicles, what you think best practice is? Does it just depend how gnarly it is? Thanks.
I do clean it, but none of the ways you have described! 😂 I will share it in a future video!
@@FayeHadley Thanks Faye! I appreciate it.
Remember to clean the reservoir cap before removing it.
I love this Woman I'm learning a lot from her things I've never known or heard of doing before. Thank you Faye
Wow, after all these years I never knew they made such a thing as this! Now I'll be looking forward to that video on how to flush the brake system...
Awesome! Do you have an air compressor, or no?
@@FayeHadley Yes, not a big one, but it works. Are you actually thinking about doing a video on this (maybe when you do Grim)?
Does the color of brake fluid (dark) vs clear indicate anything about the state of the brake fluid?
Yes! It indicates contamination which is most likely caused by breaking down of master cylinder cup seals and lines. Be careful when flushing! If your vehicle is old or it's been a long time since you've done a flush, sometimes it can cause more harm than good!!
Faye, my late Aunt left me her 2000 Corolla CE, with a 1.8 4cyl engine with a/c. According to her service receipts from the dealership last time coolant was changed was in 2013 at 27,000 miles. Car has 60,000 original miles now. I would like to keep using what Toyota recommends for coolant with regards to this car. What should I use? Also the brake fluid is still nice and clean looking. Also when should I replace spark plugs? I change oil every 3000 miles. Any information is appreciated.
Awesome! What a SCORE! Use Toyota long life red coolant, mix 5050 with distilled water and flush it every 30k. Spark plugs every 90!
smart I never knew they had testers I just swapped it all out threw the lines every so many years. and when I do a brake pad change I bleed out the crud in the piston caliper and in the line around the caliper. the heat around the caliper breaks down the fluid in the caliper and around the lines too
Hi Faye. I'm a 56 year old dude and I truly enjoy your videos especially your attitude, always happy and positive. If I'm having a lousy day, watching any of your videos cheers me up. I never knew about testing the brake fluid until I seen your video, so I ordered the tool. Thanks. Keep up the good work!
According to my Toyota Corolla repair manual (my previous car until a deer decided to trot out in front of me while driving one night), it says to change out the brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months, same as Lexus as you mentioned. But really, this is a good interval, even for a random hooptie. I mean, you gotta stop your car eventually.
Awesome!!
Is there a difference in brake fluid quality for a same DOT rating ? For example I sometimes see 'synthetic' brake fluid what do they mean any benefits or just marketing tactic ? Let us know, thanks.
Dot rating is to do with the boiling point on the brake fluid. There's dot 3,4 and 5.1 - 5.1 being the highest.
👍 and Wow... I will definitely be checking my brake fluid. I’ll be waiting for the brake fluid flush video. Thanks!
I have that exact tester and it's really crap. The battery wont stay in unless I tape it and I have to remove the battery to reset the lights. I got a replacement and it's the same thing
Oh gosh I've had no problems with mine - I have 3 of them and they all are doing fine! Weird!!!
I have one of these testers at home but since I am away for work I ordered a new one a few days ago, I test at every oil change but flush the entire system every 30,000 miles or 10 oil changes just because not doing it can be what kills you if you cannot stop at 70 MPH on a Texas highway. One thing I would have added since most people do not detail under the hood would be to remove all dust and debris from the area before removing the cap. But most people also do not ever look at wheel studs or torque lug nuts properly either so they must like to drive death traps.
Thanks for posting and sharing.. 👍👍
Just watched, enjoyed and will buy the electronic tester. Thanks!
I never knew this. Thanks for sharing and happy new year.
Happy New Year!!
They're expensive so i just bought the fluid and it came out black...................
Great video, Faye. Not too many people even know what "hygroscopic" even means? I use a couple of refractometers that measure moisture content of brake fluid. I have a DOT 3 and a DOT 4. They're similar to coolant refractometers. I'm not totally sold on the copper content test strips yet. The bottom line is moisture content. Thanks for a most informative video. Keep up the great work.
Absolutely!! Yes, I have used one of those refractometers before at a previous job. I never went ahead and bought one later. Do you like it?!!
@@FayeHadley, yes I do. I have one for DOT 3 and a separate one for DOT 4 fluid. They are really easy to use and are very accurate. I even use them to test new fluid that has been sitting on the shelf for awhile; just to make sure that it's still good. I've thought about buying one of the electronic ones too, and probably will now, based on your video.
I'm always learning from you...thanks.
Actually never tested or replaced my brake/clutch fluid since i bought my car 2007 its a 2006 model year.. always serviced at the dealer.. they never changed it aswell.. so i think its time to be checked. The repair that has been made is the brake hydraulik "thing" (BCM) brake control module. And there new fluid was added.. dont know if the whole systems are drained/replaced or.. just topped off...
i have topped it off when i replaced the caliper rear.. if i remember the system takes about 1 litre or something.. a bit less..
it has no strange color in the expansion tank.. looks like it should. transparent/yellowish..
But i might order a brake fluid tester for sure.. cheap on amazon.. cant be that bad? what is it testing? resistance? can it be measured with a multimeter? what value does the tester find?
Looking forward to brake fluid flush video! Curious what tips you have for modern ABS systems, since they often require extra steps from a scan tool. Water in brake fluid can also cause swelling of brake hoses, restricting flow.
Yeah, im looking forward to that too.. changing brake fluid on a ABS system kan be a very hassle.. if you dont get ALL air out. You can be stuck with ABS warnings and stuff.. can be really hard to get everything out since its a very sensitive system.. might depend of the car model/system though :)
What’s your fav service to perform on a car?
Oh gosh, I have no idea!
Excellent video Faye! Being that you are a Toyota expert, I was wondering if you had some input on the following. I want to replace my brake fluid and bleed the brakes on my 2014 FJ Cruiser, which has the hydroboost hydraulic system. I have the Toyota FSM and I am comfortable with the procedure. I am trying to drain the old fluid out of the brake fluid reservoir by suctioning it out, then refilling it with new DOT3 fluid prior to starting the bleeding process. However, I can't seem to figure out how to remove the strainer in the reservoir so that I can stick a small hose in there to suction out the old fluid. I've done this on many other vehicles with the traditional vacuum assist brake boosters by prying out the strainer, but I don't see how to do it on the hydroboost reservoir. I'm thinking you have probably run across the hydroboost system on the newer Toyotas with VSC, TRAC and A-TRAC, so if you have, could you tell me if it is even possible to drain the fluid from the hydroboost reservoir by suctioning it out? Thanks!
Great , detailed video maam. The brake fluid in my 2017 suzuki in Sri Lanka looked badly discoloured in only 3 yrs with around 20k miles. Perhaps, 2 yr change intervals are safer
Where can i find the brake fluid change video? Have you recorded it yet? Or is it just "in the making" or in "the to-do list" ?
Hi Faye, I have a Tacoma with rear squeak wen accelerating from 0-10mph. So annoying! Can you help?
This has been around for years ..i can read green to red to yellow
One thing I had to add....sucks the dot 3 tester is only for dot 3 ..bit the dot 4 tester is only for dot 4 ...I feel like I'm getting ripped off like when the ps2 wouldn't play ps1 games
more stuff I didnt know about what can go wrong with my cars... tks, $7.99 is a worthwhile purchase - tks
After using the pen tool, clean the brake fluid off tester really really well. My tip degraded to a point of plastic cracking to pieces in just weeks. Maybe I bought an amazon cheapo with wrong plastic.
Im always scared of being scammed by garagistes so im really happy that i can make a test myself prior to do seek their "advice"
I reckon you should get yourself an Amazon affiliate account. I think you've just sold a bunch of these testers 😁
Are you saying that the brake fluid should be flushed and replaced after 2 or 3 years even when the brake fluid is still clear and the moisture level is still good (i.e. below 2%)?
Awesome. Another great fact. I've been saying this for 20 years now, nobody believes me. Almost nobody flushes the brake fluid out. I always flush before installing the new caliper, why pump old nasty fluid into a brand new (Clean) caliper or why cyl??
I see it all the time. Great video. Really great work there. I love the chickens. You are funny, and really smart. Thank you again, Jim Tree
Very well done. Can I show this video to my SAT morning, automotive class?
Dot 1 and 2 was made to last a lifetime, my dads 71 has never had brake line fluid flushed. It has had work done, but just added to. dot 4 and 5 has a different make up....so I am told...lol
If you do flush Grimm, show how to do it without tools I'd only use once every 2 years. Like no pressure vac. Kind of don't want that trigger pump bottle from Harbor Freight. No second person helper. I use the bottle above the nipple trick but like you said, any other ways I'm missing out on?
Somehow I missed when you bought the Supra! It almost looks like the new one, the one that's actually a BMW Z3 or whatever.
Oh my gosh! I've had my supra since 2014! My beebeee!!!! And absolutely, I will show with tools, with friend, and without tools or a friend!
I knew about moisture thing ya know but never thought too much about how would you know when it in there just thought well piston seized up on wheel wore out pad must be rust from moisture right and changed it in the process all the brake fluid was changed out well almost all of it great video I learned something so my 30yr old isuzu trooper is ready for new lines by now I'm guessing the master cly. is always turning black guessing thats gunk in the lines I do change out the fluid in it alot but it turns again black when I first got it changed the brakes pads 4 wheel disk brakes super nice and replaced all the wheel hardware and their alot stuff in there all kind of clips and springs grease rubber boots the back rotors got changed easy enough but the front ones didn't cause would have to pull the 4x4 guts out of the axle and didn't feel like changing that on a smooth rotor should of but next time plus front pads were fine still had alot life ceramic pads but hardware was worn out guessing they didn't bother on last pad change so got new .
Hi Faye Hadley hope all is well ,this is in my Amazon shopping cart, and hello to your husband keep up the good works 🌹
They also make strips that you dip if you don’t want to spend buku bucks on a digital gauge. If your fluid is also green good indication there is moisture in the system.
This video suggests otherwise. They basically say you need to heat up the brake fluid to test the boiling point. Check it out to see if you agree:
ruclips.net/video/mWPkedgHnrA/видео.html
I had a professor once that I learned from also works at Toyota from auto tech school, when I took a brakes class, I learned to have a good habit of testing both for copper and moisture, you’ll never know, on some cars could have both copper and moisture content at the same time.
Your videos are also very helpful too, sure does help refresh my memory from what I learned in auto tech school.
Awesome!! Yes, absolutely! On older cars I use both, on newer cars I use just the moisture! Thanks for watching!
@@FayeHadley totally thought you were going to copper test Grimm
Almost added that @ Lexus we...then I stayed till 8:13 and you hit the nail on the head. 👍🏼 😉
BAAAHAHAHAHA well glad you're here to verify that for me ;)
😬
I should keep open fluid in a smaller bottle so it doesn’t hydrate from the air. Also good reason to buy smaller bottles of brake fluid. I’m using type 4 in my Toyota + now where it recommends 3. Seems like 5.1 (not 5.0) is also better than fine for DOT 3 applications.
Good video. I am not as diligent about flushing brake fluid as I definitely should be. Gonna get the tester and step it up!
Nice; some people are cheap and delay as much as they can the maintenance of their cars, they should know why that's bad and that delay it too much could be more expensive at the end than do it on time. Hope you're feeling better and that you get soon.
Jesus, that is one clean engine bay
Wait really?!! 😂 I was thinking the opposite when I filmed this, I was like "omg I need to clean him!!!" 😂
Awesome Clip & Content!
Thank you!!!
Learn something new again, I just change them every 3 years. Thank you.
Good for you! That's more than most!
Toyota and Lexus back in the day said 15k to flush brake fluid with cars with abs. Hi chickens. 😁
Yup. That's about the interval that I've always used for all of my vehicles, 24k miles or 2 years. Only had to replace one brake line in the last 30 years and that was on a boneyard rear end out of a '67 Cutlass.
Thanks for this cool gadget, just ordered it. Edit: Some google results suggest the voltage between the fluid in the reservoir and ground should be less than 0.3v.
But I would replace it per manufacturer recommendations.
Long ago we used to make water balloons filled with brake fluid ,and threw em at police cars 🤫
In my class (RIP) i replaced it and it came out black
good to see you felling beter. look at Blondies Garage, youel love hear beard foloing hear around hear car. Rouster i mean.
Awesome upload !! Thank you:)
Great video! I just changed my brake fluid so I really enjoyed this. In the brake fluid change video, could you touch on how to change/fix a locked bleeder valve? I got one of those $10 testers and have been checking all my friends and family cars. The water turning to vapor (gas) translates to spongy pedal feel; super dangerous. The hot, high pressure system exacerbates this. Here's a Z compressibility chart: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressibility_factor
Yes! If I find that one is failing, then I will just replace it but perhaps I will make this into a separate video! My brake fluid flush video is already like 25 minutes long 😂
@@FayeHadley Awesome! I watch your videos because they're more technically rich, so the longer videos are what makes your channel unique to me. I think other channels are more hand-wavy about proper procedures. I appreciate your and Danny's technical savvy.
Well, I’m a long time dyi’er and that was great in information and good to know. Driving newer cars these years and going to the dealer for my services I know what to look for oak the next time I go. Thanks a lot Faye !!!
Hey Faye, that’s awesome I’ve always just changed the fluid every three years I didn’t realize you could get a tester so inexpensively I’m definitely going to pick one up my truck is coming up on it’s 2 year birthday i’ll see if the fluid needs to be changed. The other day during Danny’s first live stream he pan right by you and I thought you were wearing rollerskates don’t ask me why I had to rewind it, you weren’t I thought you might’ve done it for a goof seeing if anybody would notice weird how the mind works. Hope Hope all is well and have a great one🐔🐔🐔👍
I have been told rear shoes on the 4runner should be oem not after market?
Thank you for the explanation of why spend the money to replace brake fluid.. I enjoy your videos.
Thank you!!!
Another great video from the amazing Faye
Great vid Faye. Looking forward to the brake fluid flushing vid.
My old 2006 Toyota Matrix brake fluid was yellowish after 150,000 miles when I flushed her back in 2017. My company has a 2006 GMC one ton duramax w/ over 200k miles and that truck has seen better days. The brake fluid on that truck was brown.
Exactly! Why you can't always tell from a visual inspection!! Great comment, thank you!
@@FayeHadley also it generally isn't always necessary to top off brake fluid during service intervals. If the reservoir level drops (but not to critically low) it's usually brake wear. I've learned the hard way when replacing brake pads and ended up rummaging for a turkey baster to decant the brake fluid reservoir.
@@CO84trucker I use an old hand soap dispenser. stick the end of the stick in the tank and the nose of the pump in the bottle. Added bonus, it's thin width lets you see how bad the fluid is. Basters leak!
Plus also speaks a lot about Toyota durability vs US makes. Also that 1.8 got nothing on a towing Cummins lol jk
@@LAactor sold that matrix a couple years back. Currently driving a 2nd gen Tacoma w/ TRD supercharger. I do miss getting 30 mpg though.
Do you need to use the techstream software in order to flush brake fluid on some toyota/lexus vehicles?
Hi faye that's too much science I'm not a genius but good information thanks?
Out here in the land of budget restrictions we only replaced the fluid that got away when replacing a component or maybe during a complete overhaul. Even back in the day when I 'drive it like I stole it' I could make drum brakes fade out but they never got mushy like air in the lines. I'm glad you got a good meter; reviews are mixed on Amazon because of Communist Chinese quality control.
And they're hackers too. And while it's not generally hacking, they do a thing, there's a name for it, where they mail people randomly in the US product and then they review it as if they bought it as those people. Verified as a purchaser. They will also manipulate the listing and sell something else initially but after a while take the high stars and completely remove the old and put a new item there. Fraudulent.
I do a taste test. If it taste nasty, then change out the fluid till it taste good. 😂 just kidding. PLEASE DON'T DO THAT.
😂😂😂😂😂
I changed the fluid in my car almost 2 years ago after buying it at auction. had rust issues inc. the petcock/zurck type things where you bleed off the old brake fluid, which were replaced and on the outside is pretty rusty esp around the mounting brackets, ive dealt with what i can but without stripping it cant get all the rust. Plus in CA we not experts in rust abatement. Thanks for the post Im gonna follow up on the copper test strips!
I never seen zerk spelled that way before! Watch South Main Auto for daily rust dealings. If the nips on calipers are rusted shut might as well bleed near the back opening the banjo bolt. Otherwise you just break the zerk and then have to drill it out and that's if you can even save the threads. Otherwise just get a pick a part or dismantler used and call it a day.
Thanks for the video! I'll try to schedule my 2020 camry for its 5k service tomorrow. I guess I find out if I have a reputable dealership. Wish me luck! Love the videos!
Oh goodness, I wish you great luck!!
Just taste it, to test it. ..easy!
🤣🤣🤣
@@FayeHadley On a serious note, would you know, or can guide me with precise installation of a 2012 TUNDRA kill switch. I would like to do it with my fuel pump control(wires thingy).....
In recent years Toyota interval is 60K , according to Toyota manual
This is to replace the fluid
Always entertaining and informative. Faye, you are the best. Thanks, keep the great videos coming.
Thank you!
Look how pretty that engine bay is! Don't spill!
Hiya , Great video, Very nice work
you're the best Faye! Do you have room in your heart for a guy that is "bad vibes only"? Thanks for explaining this, I always wondered why dot3 went bad.
I don't believe in someone who is all bad vibes!! Every day is a battle between good vs evil, and that person just needs a helping hand! Everyone can be salvaged!!! 💗
Thanks. I did not know this. I have a Tacoma and an FJ Cruiser that need a check. Well fone!
Awesome, thank you!!!
I never test the brake fluid....all I do is change it every now and then...lol
That's just as good honestly!
The Toyota dealership that I work at recommends to change it every 30k
Awesome! Thank you!!
good vid
Thank you!
Coolest auto shop teacher ever! 😎 Thanks!
Awww thank you!
Very interesting concept! Unfortunately when I checked the reviews on amazon for "ITEQ Brake Fluid Liquid Tester Pen with 5 LED Indicators, Calibrated For DOT3 DOT4 Brake Fluid
" there were several complaints of bogus readings. They did a "confidence test" by testing brand new unopened DOT3 and DOT4 containers, and the reader came back with a 3% moisture reading.
Clarity,or bi yearly
Brake fluid also eats steel. My old 240sx had "custom" brake fluid frame rail lightening. Cough cough, massive rot hole.
Ewwwww 😰
It isn't the fluid that does it, it's that it tends to bond to the steel and then absorbs moisture. The ingredients also will remove any oils and most coatings to allow the air and moisture even better "access" to the metal. About the same as the foam the various companies use as sound deadener and reinforcement absorbs salt and water and then holds it like a sponge.
I love the way you laugh Faye. Looking forward to more videos.
Thank you!!
I didn’t even know you had to change brake fluid. Omg, where have I been? I bet all 7 vehicles on our place need this desperately. I do remember my Dad saying brake fluid eats paint and once opened, it attracts moisture. It was cool seeing you use “lab supplies” like pipettes and test strips. I had a Dr. on my route order pipettes and they showed up in a rather small box that out company had shipped FedEx for $3.40. She opened it to find 1 pipette, not one box of 1,000! Can’t believe they shipped only 1. Haaaa! Thank you Faye for the heads up. I’m ordering that tester right now. Cute sleepy, cackle bird. You cackled with her. Fun!
Oh my gosh that's amazing!!! HAHAHAHA yes get the package of MANY! BUT BE CAREFUL when flushing fluid for the first time on older cars ... Sometimes the debris and build up in the system actually helps the seals!! And when you put in clean fluid and flush it through, the master cylinder can fail. So proceed with caution!
Thanks for the warning, Faye. It must be similar to unchanged transmission fluid. Our rule is if you don’t know it’s been changed on an old vehicle (150,000k or more), don’t! But I’m assuming maybe the “drain a little, add a little” trick might help?
Here for the chickens 😜 🐓
I hope that I did not disappoint!!! 😂 The clucking lady is Demeter 😂
I've never checked/changed mine... Amd now I feel like I have to 😂 😂
*2010, dodge charger, 5.7, 192K*
Interesting
Awsome upsale tool Faye 👍🏾
Love the way you say any word that ends with an S Haha
HAHAHAHA thank you!