DOT 5 fluid inspection

[fpchief]

I have about a gallon of DOT 5 and as you all know...the stuff isn't cheap. What I have is old and wonder if it is still good. The pic shows some risidual of what is left in my power bleeder. Is it ok...maybe run through a strainer? Or do I need to ditch it??

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[rustystud]

I have about a gallon of DOT 5 and as you all know...the stuff isn't cheap. What I have is old and wonder if it is still good. The pic shows some risidual of what is left in my power bleeder. Is it ok...maybe run through a strainer? Or do I need to ditch it??

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I would just run it through a strainer. DOT 5 really doesn't go bad just from sitting. It will change color from Purple to Amber, but that is about all. So get that little crud out of it and use it.

 

[fpchief]

I would just run it through a strainer. DOT 5 really doesn't go bad just from sitting. It will change color from Purple to Amber, but that is about all. So get that little crud out of it and use it.

Gotcha. That is good news!!!

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[doghead]

How old is it?

What is the contaminant in it?

What is a life worth?

I would purchase new, if that was in my power bleeder.

 

[Ajax MD]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning, it absorbs moisture. In hard braking applications, the water in the fluid boils, which causes fading.

I especially distrust old brake fluid stored in plastic containers because plastic is not an oxygen barrier. I know it sucks, but I would discard it.

 

[doghead]

Silicone Brake fluid is not hygroscopic.

 

[Recovry4x4]

The sediment can also be found in unopened containers of BFS. Folks smarter than I surmised that it's residual dye as it settles out of the BFS. It does the same in your brake system as it turns from purple to yellow/amber. Strain it and use it. Were it DOT 3 it would warrant disposal.

 

[Ajax MD]

Good to know. Thanks!