Car maintenance-fluid flushing

[randy41]

My wife's 07 civic (bought new in 11/06)went in for 45k service today. The service guy said it needed the power steering fluid flushed and the same for the brake fluid. He wanted $150 for both. I said no. I didn't sound friendly about it over the phone. O well.
Do you guys think this necessary maintenance? Is 2 years/45k too soon to be needed? Is the price right?

 

[czechsonofagun]

The price could be right - depends what are your options. If you have to buy tools and than attempt to hack it somehow, $150 is proly cheaper. If you are OK shade tree mechanic with enough tools, I believe you could do it yourself for fraction of the cost.

The fluid typically needs changing when it absorbed too much water, does your wife experience any problems with any of those systems?

To replace fluid in the brake system I use big syringe and a piece of hose to suck the fluid out from the wheel end one wheel at a time. Works like a charm, takes and hour max.

Power steering fluid, it depends on the vehicle where to disconnect the circuit.

 

[Travelover]

I don't think a 2007 Honda needs any fluids flushed, this is just a money maker for the dealer. Look in your owner's manual for required maintenance and stick to that.

 

[thatguy]

I know ppl that do change the PS and brake fluid, but they typically are runnign their cars on the track (street car in performance driving schools) and their brake fluid is usuall been subject to a lot of high heat..

I think you can purchase a test kit (sorta like a litmus test) to test these fluids..

IF they do need to be changed I bet you can find another local (non dealer) shop that would do it for you..

The brake fluid can easily be exchanged - you would either need someone to pump and hold the brakes OR buy a pump...Just dont forget to keep adding brake fluid..

good luck

Brian

 

[mjarrels]

Car dealers are getting creative again to bring customers in the door... nitrigen filling of tires in a big seller here now (29.95).

mark

 

[randy41]

I love this support group.
There have been no problems with any of these systems on the car. My wife drives it. I would know immediately if there was a problem.

 

[Reg]

Wallet vacuum.

 

[kenmac]

I do change out my brake fluid about every year or 2. You will get moisture in the brake system. How long will it take ?? Don't know. But I have seen a corroded brake system from the failure to change out brake fluid / flush the system

 

[Reg]

I do change out my brake fluid about every year or 2. You will get moisture in the brake system. How long will it take ?? Don't know. But I have seen a corroded brake system from the failure to change out brake fluid / flush the system

I have had several brake line failures over the last several decades.
I can say with great confidence that they have ALL been from EXTERNAL corrosion.
It is true that brake fluid is hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs moisture from the air, however steel brake parts will rust internally only at an incredibly slow rate, since the only available oxygen is that which is dissolved in the brake fluid - and I doubt that it is "available" to steel that is coated with brake fluid (a particular hydraulic oil).
The scams rely on mention of the dissolved water, but make no mention of the almost complete lack of available oxygen, for which "rusting" is essential.

I have about a 25ft section that I replaced on a trailer this year, it is in the trash but I will try to retrieve it and if practical slice it open, take pictures of the (lack of) internal corrosion and post them. Not until next week, at the earliest.

 

[Sackett2]

Look at the color of the fluid. If its dirty looking than it would be advised. Also follow the manufacture recommendations as in the manual.
That being said, a O& Honda shouldn't need a darn thing flushed.
Steve, who works in the auto repair business.