My last +8 had silicone fluid in it when l bought it ,the same fluid in it when I sold it after eighteen years later. Never had a moment's trouble with it. Never had to top it up.
Yes. That sounds right. Just like Luddite. Accordingly to the brake and scentific experts, being hydrophobic, the water that enters the system will not combine with the brake fluid and not be visible. It will pool at the lowest points in each DOT 5 filled system that uses DOT 5 and without regular changes. This will be undetectable, though easily curable. Over time, the rust it creates will not be seen and it will not show up with a brake fluid tester. The system would have to be is totally flushed and carefully examined. The only other way to discover it is by eventual brake failure during usage.
Yipee, brake fluid tester arrived
Now, I also have some of the original 2021 bottle leftover which I had resealed and not opened since as I never needed to top up. That was also single green light <1% moisture so even though it is also 32 months old, it is still as good as new because it was resealed after use.
So, conclusions.
1. My new brake fluid tester does work.
2. Even after 32 months, i.e. only 8 months longer than recommended, the tester when off the scale. Remember all the tester shows is over 4% so it could be a lot higher.
3. I can be a bit cynical about recommended change intervals (and eat by dates) but from now on I will keep a much closer watch on fluid moisture content and change it more regularly.
As a slightly comforting afterthought, I went to Austria in September and did 2 runs up and down the Grossglocker pass and others and the brakes did work. Obviously or I wouldn't be writing this.
Well done Bob. Good. There was a need for another lab rat like me.
I have seen the same thing as you, but never that bad. However, brake fluid lasts longer in the Quebec mountains. Dryer climate. The 2 years they give is a world average, it varies from climate to climate. I saw some amazing things (for me) in my many years mogging the UK. I wasn't used to it but I learned. I even got to enjoy rain! So many varieties!
Good to know about the stuff remaining in the bottle if quickly sealed. I will take that on board for myself. What the inexpensive tester does is eliminate guess work with Glycol brake fluids.
Makes a mogger feel very much the scientist! Next time wear a white lab coat.
If you check it regularly, we will have an accurate estimate of brake fluid duration for your country
gmg
