Flush brake fluid cost: Typical costs for fluid service
Learn the typical cost for a brake fluid flush in 2024
A brake fluid flush is a fairly simple procedure that takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete. If you search online, you’ll see brake fluid flush costs ranging from as low as $80 to $130. Those are outdated prices and you’ll most likely never get a brake flush flush for those prices. Depending on where you get the job done, expect to pay $150 to $225.
How a brake fluid flush is done
The technician attaches a power brake bleeder adapter on top of the brake fluid reservoir. The power bleeder is filled with fresh brake fluid and pressurizes the brake system.
Next, the technician raises the vehicle and follows the carmaker’s recommended brake bleeding procedure, usually starting at the left rear brake. They attach a drain tube and bottle to the left rear brake bleeder screw, open it and allow the old brake fluid to flow out until they detect the new fluid. Then they move on to the next bleeder in the sequence.
Unless the technician runs into problems
The most common problem a technician encounters is a stuck bleeder. There are several ways to free up a stuck bleeder, including using a rust penetrant and vibration or an induction heater. However, if the bleeder is unmovable, the shop will most likely call you and let you know there will be an additional charge to free it. See this post for more information on how shops deal with a stuck bleeder.
Understanding why brake fluid requires routine replacement
Some car makers say you should flush brake fluid every two years. Here’s why. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, so it absorbs water. Water in brake fluid reduces its boiling point, reducing your braking ability. Brake fluid also contains anti-corrosive additives, which wear out over time.
Shops often push brake fluid flushes whether your vehicle needs it or not
How to avoid brake fluid flush scams
There are two ways to test brake fluid condition: with a moisture tester, and with test strips. A visual inspection is not a valid test. Brake fluid can look dark brown and test perfectly fine. Don’t fall for the old, “Your brake fluid looks dirty,” scam.
Repair shops by brake fluid test strips in bottles of 100. You can buy a package of two test strips on Amazon for about $6
• What test strips tell you— A shop can use two types of test strips; one checks the level of copper in the fluid, and the other tests the fluid’s pH level. An accumulation of copper in the brake fluid indicates a breakdown of the anti-corrosion additives in the fluid. Once that additive is depleted, copper can leech from the brazed seams of the brake line. Test strips cost about .75 each.
A pH strip detects the failure of the buffering agents in the brake fluid. A failure from either strip means it’s time for a brake fluid flush.
• What the moisture test tells you—The second test is done with a moisture meter. The technician dips a battery-powered tester into the fluid and gets a moisture reading. If the reading exceeds the recommended level, that means it’s time for a brake fluid flush.
A brake fluid moisture meter test takes about a minute
How can you avoid getting scammed on a brake fluid flush?
Buy a package of brake fluid test strips. Open the brake fluid
Buy a package of brake fluid test strips and test your brake fluid so you don’t get scammed.
reservoir and dip the strip into the fluid. Wait the recommended amount of time for the strip to change color. Then, compare the color to the chart on the package. If the chart shows the fluid is old, change it. If not, don’t.
Where’s the best place to get a brake fluid flush?
Avoid the rapid oil change shops. PLEASE! If you read the news, you already know that the chain-operated shops are known for scamming customers. How do they scam you on a brake fluid flush? Simple. They use a turkey baster and suck the dark fluid out of the brake fluid reservoir. Then they add clean-looking fluid. They never actually bleed the old fluid out of the system.
So find a reputable independent repair shop. Read this post first before you start looking for a good mechanic.
©, 2016 Rick Muscoplat