Beshoff Infiniti

Brake Fluid Replacement

              When water is absorbed by brake fluid, the inside of the brake system corrodes.  To avoid moisture contamination, the brake system should be flushed at two year intervals.  Another reason is that anti-lock brake modulators have very small passages that are more sensitive to contamination than older brake systems. Glycol is the material of choice for brake fluids due to it's affinity for water.  Water that is absorbed by the fluid will not be able to act adversely on one particular place where it might settle.  In climates of high humidity (lots of moisture in the air), brake fluid has been shown to absorb an average of 3 percent of its volume in water over a period of a year and a half.   If the fluid is not changed, moisture content can reach 8 percent or more in another year.

Most of today's brake systems are "bimetal." This means system parts are made of more than one type of metal.  Common hydraulic system materials include aluminum, iron, steel, and copper.  Master cylinder housings and calipers are often made of aluminum.  Housings are also made of cast iron and pistons are made of steel.  Steel hydraulic tubing is lined with copper. 

You probably remember from science lessons that two dissimilar metals in an electrolyte solution can produce a voltage.  Brake fluid includes additives to prevent it from becoming an electrolyte, but these additives become depleted.  Moisture accumulation in the hygroscopic brake fluid also causes battery (galvanic) action.  The corrosion that results plugs valves in the ABS and causes pitting in the wheel cylinders and master cylinder.

           Beshoff recommends brake fluid replacement every 2-years.  Although Infiniti uses a DOT3 fluid similar to other high lines brands, the factory does not list a fluid change requirement or interval.  Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, Ford, and others call for brake fluid change every twenty-four months or sooner.  Beshoff uses only genuine Nissan DOT 3 brake fluid.