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Although it's common knowledge that most brake fluid deteriorates in use through hygroscopic action, what is the 'shelf life' of brake fluid still sitting in its original sealed container?
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I haven't seen one lately but I am guessing that it might have a "Best By" date on it like a pork pie or a food item. If there isn't one I'd hazard a guess that the shelf life, unopened, is indefinite. It certainly goes off PDQ once it is opened - use it or sling it!
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Someone correct me if wrong,but I think if sealed approx 2 years?
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Steve
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as steve says
and as hugh lundin of www.noria.com/partner.asp?id=26 says
Storage and Handling
Brake Fluid should be stored in its original container in a clean, dry location at or below room temperature preferably separated from similar storage of petroleum products or fluid materials used for maintenance purposes. Always use the original containers, which should be tightly sealed to avoid water absorption and be clearly marked. Under good conditions of storage, new, unopened containers of Brake Fluid, with their foil seal intact, will have a shelf life of two years.
and i thought it would last forever if unopened
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Interesting. Any ideas what the deterioration mechanism is, exactly? If the container is sealed, only the water present at the time of sealing can be absorbed......
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"I think if sealed approx 2 years?"
Coughs. Shuffles. Looks sideways.
My last can was bought 5 years ago and used last year.
Coughs.
No problems noted.
Crosses fingers...
madf
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it might be a breakdown of coagulent agulents
who knows
probably more wordspeak ,however the link i used is an independant tester yes?
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Upon reflection a two year shelf life is just plain self preservation.
i.e. wrong.
Case 1.
Fluid just manufactured: stored two years and then placed in car. Replaced after two years use.
Case 2:
Fuild manufactured and immediately placed in car and changed after 2 years use.
If it did degrade at all - even 0.5% in storage, it would surely be unsafe after 4 years in case 1.
madf
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It's pretty obvious what used , knackered fluid is like but how do you know if unused brake fluid has 'gone off'?
----------------------------------------------
Aim low, expect nothing & dont be disappointed
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the presence of someone's back bumper in your radiator grille...... :)
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I've had an unused sealed bottle for years wondering if it's safe to use. I shall now bin it, or sling it in my creosote/old engine oil drum ready for slapping on the fences this summer.
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>>but how do you know if unused brake fluid has 'gone off'?
In effect it starts going off when its put in,the main worry appears to be its anti corrosion ability/ heat transfer,certain man are saying brake fluid changes should be between 12 and 24 months.
I cant see this happening unless new cars are done when in for a service,as for older cars I doubt they will be done at all unless brake faults occur, and fluid change is standard with parts replacement,it was hard enough years ago to get customers to have fluid changed while servicing (it was seen as unnecessary) to some I think it still is??
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