Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: omega3000 on 03 July 2013, 09:06:28

Title: Brake Fluid
Post by: omega3000 on 03 July 2013, 09:06:28

Does brake fluid have a use by time , ie: does it go off  :-\ Ive got 2 plastic bottles of it that i have had a while , just wondering if its ok to use  :-\

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: Kevin Wood on 03 July 2013, 09:15:39

Once it's been opened it can absorb air and moisture but if the bottles are new and sealed they should be OK. For this reason it's better to buy it in small quantities so you don't end up with it hanging around in half empty bottles.

Colour can be a good guide as to its' freshness. Most fluid is almost clear when fresh. If it's starting to go a yellowy brown colour, and especially if there are black bits in it, bin it and buy some fresh.

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: omega3000 on 03 July 2013, 10:57:05

Thanks kevin , the fluid is in 2 small plastic containers and has been opened . Colour wise it looks ok , better than whats in the system at the minute  :y

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: tidla on 03 July 2013, 18:27:00

When its stone cold there's no problem, after a spirited drive when you need your brakes.. big problem.

(puts tee shirt back in cupboard)

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: tunnie on 03 July 2013, 18:47:03

Worth buying it in smaller containers like 500ml. That way less is wasted :)

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: CaptainZok on 03 July 2013, 19:00:59

Ours comes fresh from a large container that's regularly changed at a local garage. Speaking of which we'll be needing some when he changes those corroded brake pipes.

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: symes on 03 July 2013, 20:08:57

i use silicon brake fluid--don't absorb anything :y :y :y :y :y

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: dbug on 03 July 2013, 20:55:44

Plastic used for bottles for brake fluid is usually HDPE - that has very little barrier to moisture ;)

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: Kevin Wood on 03 July 2013, 23:47:48

Quote from: symes on 03 July 2013, 20:08:57

i use silicon brake fluid--don't absorb anything :y :y :y :y :y

.. which can give you other headaches, of course. On the whole, any damp is best absorbed by the fluid as long as it's changed regularly.  ;) It doesn't lubricate ABS pumps well, either.

Considering you'll get roughly the same boiling point out of a decent DOT 5.1 changed regularly it's probably not worth the risk, IMHO.

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: albitz on 03 July 2013, 23:57:27

Are the seals etc. in the Omega system ok with silicon fluid ?  :-\

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 July 2013, 09:17:40

Quote from: Albitz on 03 July 2013, 23:57:27

Are the seals etc. in the Omega system ok with silicon fluid ?  :-\

Probably, but silicone or PAG is really a choice to be made when you're looking at a brand new system. Once you've used one type of fluid, the system needs very thorough cleaning before you can switch.

As said, not sure it would adequately lubricate the ABS block either.

Title: Re: Brake Fluid
Post by: symes on 04 July 2013, 14:34:45

mines ok-other benefit---dont damage paint-handy if you spill it--and headaches?? only headache I get is servicing my brakes :y