Car maintenance-fluid flushing

[jinman]

This kind of reminds me of the time I took my Dodge pickup into the dealership to have the transmission tested. They told me the test was $75. When I went to pick it up, they wanted to charge me $150 for the job because they added a "fluids disposal fee." Let me see now. . . there was no fluid added on the bill, but yet they told me it was a "standard" fee.

 

[Travelover]

This kind of reminds me of the time I took my Dodge pickup into the dealership to have the transmission tested. They told me the test was $75. When I went to pick it up, they wanted to charge me $150 for the job because they added a "fluids disposal fee." Let me see now. . . there was no fluid added on the bill, but yet they told me it was a "standard" fee.

I think I would have told them - "Give me the fluid, I'll dispose of it". This is a scam to pad out the profit on the repair.

 

[thatguy]

I think I would have told them - "Give me the fluid, I'll dispose of it". This is a scam to pad out the profit on the repair.

Some dealers also started adding on charges for an 'environmental fees' for their shop towels wash/clean, ect....

Brian

 

[Bird]

Well, our 2001 Ford Windstar has had the brake system flushed. In fact, I allowed a Ford dealer to do their "recommended" 60k mile service, which included the following and cost me $1,123.68:

Change oil & filter
Flush transmission
Fuel filter
Air Induction Service
Fuel Injector Service
Air Filter
Flush Cooling System
Cabin Air Filter
Power Steering Flush
Brake Flush
Tune-up; plugs and wires​

I use a different dealer now.

 

[kenmac]

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.

Like I said, I don't know how long it would take to cause problems. But, I have replaced brake calipers that had internal corrosion problems. You could see the pttied cylinder & the piston would be pitted. I'am sure if you lived in an area that salted the roads in the winter or lived near a coastal area you would have external corrosion problems

 

[Travelover]

Like I said, I don't know how long it would take to cause problems. But, I have replaced brake calipers that had internal corrosion problems. You could see the pttied cylinder & the piston would be pitted. I'am sure if you lived in an area that salted the roads in the winter or lived near a coastal area you would have external corrosion problems

I've replace corroded brake parts before because of the fluid absorbing water over time, but never on a one year old car. This can also cause a problem in mountain driving, as the brake fluid turns to steam if the brakes overheat.

I can see a brake flush every 4 or 5 years, maybe, depending on usage and location.