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[omega3000]

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 

[Kevin Wood]

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.

[omega3000]

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 

[tidla]

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)

[tunnie]

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

[CaptainZok]

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.

[symes]

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

[dbug]

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

[Kevin Wood]

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

.. 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.

[albitz]

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

[Kevin Wood]

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.

[symes]

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