2022 Brake Fluid Maintenance - Every 3 years?

[btsmith52]

Just read the owner's manual for my new 2022 Ranger and noticed that a 3 year brake fluid change is listed as a normal maintenance item. This is a very odd requirement for a modern car, especially a Ford. Does anyone have any idea why there is such a requirement?

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[GearHd6]

Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water over time which will ruin brakes.

 

[btsmith52]

Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water over time which will ruin brakes.

Absolutely true, but the last 9 Fords I owned did not have brake fluid as a maintenance item. I'm trying to figure out what's different about this truck. Most other cars that have a requirement for brake fluid exchanges have it at a less frequent interval.

 

[GearHd6]

The norm is every 2 years. So you're doing better with the 3 year interval.

 

[puckdodger]

I think every vehicle I have owned in the last 40 years have had some kind of service interval for brake fluid. Doesn't mean it got done on schedule, but the schedule was there for me to disregard.

 

[deleriumtremor]

I have always used 3 years as my brake fluid change interval, but I have noticed manufacturers are all over the map with their interval recommendations. I think businesses that make their money doing it all pretty much all recommend 2 years, but I have always assumed that was a P&L based recommendation.

I would have to assume any owners manual that leaves brake fluid exchanges off their maintenance recommendations had the interns write that manual.

 

[nate237]

It's becoming more common for manufacturers to specify brake fluid replacement. I know it made a difference on my F150. Brakes felt better and the old fluid looked pretty bad, but it was 6-7 years old.

 

[outdoorphotog]

Good practice is every 3 years regardless of miles

 

[MountainGoat]

Anyone done this themselves? It's easy on old cars but on new sometimes the ABS module traps air. My last truck with ABS was impossible to bleed completely.

 

[Wytchdctr]

Anyone done this themselves? It's easy on old cars but on new sometimes the ABS module traps air. My last truck with ABS was impossible to bleed completely.

I go with the turkey baster fluid out of the master then fill it with clean fluid. Then go with a really long process of bleeding the hell out of each brake while topping off the master constantly. Drain it via the bleeder valves but never let the master or abs pump get air in it.

Doesn't get it all but gets most I think.

 

[MountainGoat]

I go with the turkey baster fluid out of the master then fill it with clean fluid. Then go with a really long process of bleeding the hell out of each brake while topping off the master constantly. Drain it via the bleeder valves but never let the master or abs pump get air in it.

Doesn't get it all but gets most I think.

Yeah that's what I normally do too. I use the hand pump bleeder.

 

[Frenchy]

Brake fluid is a normal maintenance item, its just that no one usually listens to the maintenance list since you know "maintenance is a scam". Well that is what people try to claim at least. Put simple brake fluid will break down and degrade over time. It is best to do it every 3 years or every 30,000 miles. Why? So you dont get the super silly spongy brake pedal(way worse than from the factory).

 

[deleriumtremor]

Anyone done this themselves? It's easy on old cars but on new sometimes the ABS module traps air. My last truck with ABS was impossible to bleed completely.

This is what I use. The last truck I did it on was a GMC 1/2 Ton (different cap). The shop manual didn't even call out the ABS system bleed for a normal brake fluid exchange, only repair procedures. If you get air in the ABS block, something probably got away from you.

https://www.amazon.com/Motive-Produ...=brake+bleeder+kit+ford+ranger,aps,137&sr=8-2

 

[outdoorphotog]

Get a vacuum brake bleeder and use an air compressor, it will save you loads of time.

 

[Frenchy]

Get a vacuum brake bleeder and use an air compressor, it will save you loads of time.

To an extent yes. It would actually be better to get speed bleeder for all 4 wheels. Crack one open with a hose coming off and simply pump the pedal until it's clean. Close it and go to the next. Make it a nice one person job.

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