Brake Fluid Tester

[Skier1]

Has anybody had experience with brake fluid testers ? It is a simple instrument that checks the moisture content of the brake fluid. The manufacturers always give a specific time but it is more about the moisture content in the fluid and depending where you live will depend on the amount of moisture your fluid contains in a specific time.
What brand etc have you used ?????

[lhordmclain]

my 2 cents,

Daily Driven cars - follow the recommended change interval (2yrs) - My preference

But you can always decrease the above interval per your own personal preference (or testing results).

Tracking -Every time you go on tracks

P/N: 81220142156 (2 bottles)

Brake Fluid Types Comparison | FCP Euro

OTC Stinger - Brake fluid Tester Review - YouTube

Originally Posted by Skier1

Has anybody had experience with brake fluid testers ? It is a simple instrument that checks the moisture content of the brake fluid. The manufacturers always give a specific time but it is more about the moisture content in the fluid and depending where you live will depend on the amount of moisture your fluid contains in a specific time.
What brand etc have you used ?????

[TiAgX5]

No way a test strip dipped into the master cyl reservoir is showing condition of brake fluid in the calipers.

Any moisture in the system will collect at the lowest point (calipers/lines), because of the different specific gravity between brake fluid and water.

An incomplete flush can leave old "wet" fluid in the ABS module/lines/calipers and the test strip will ONLY verify the dry/new fluid on top.

Moisture test strips only work to verify fluid moisture in a system that circulates the fluid, automotive hydraulic brake systems compress the fluid, ZERO circulation.

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

No way a test strip dipped into the master cyl reservoir is showing condition of brake fluid in the calipers.

Any moisture in the system will collect at the lowest point (calipers/lines), because of the different specific gravity between brake fluid and water.

An incomplete flush can leave old "wet" fluid in the ABS module/lines/calipers and the test strip will ONLY verify the dry/new fluid on top.

Moisture test strips only work to verify fluid moisture in a system that circulates the fluid, automotive hydraulic brake systems compress the fluid, ZERO circulation.

+1
This is one tool that is a waste of time, unless you are trying to sell services. When in doubt Flush.

[racingbmwm3]

you're going to spend more on testing than the cost of new brake fluid. it only takes a couple pints to flush the system. unless you are using Motul racing fluid, which is very unnecessary unless you are racing the X every weekend, at which point you need to change racing fluid more often anyways.

every 2 years will prevent you from having corrosion problems in the brake system. That's all you should be worried about. It takes a good 3-4 stops from triple digits before you have to worry about a lower boiling point caused by moisture content.

Buy a pressure bleeder (Motiv) for $50~ and a few pints of brake fluid. Your return on investment is 1 brake fluid flush. Every flush after is saving you $70-100. Recycle your old fluid at the parts store or the hazardous waste collection center. Don't mix with other fluids as it makes those other fluids no longer recyclable.

[Skier1]

I already flush every two years but who is to say what the moisture content is at 12 or eighteen months especially if you live in a cold wet area ? I was looking at the tester to test in between changes as I have heard that with some brake fluids that are tested the moisture content is already high straight out of the bottle.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by Skier1

I already flush every two years but who is to say what the moisture content is at 12 or eighteen months especially if you live in a cold wet area ? I was looking at the tester to test in between changes as I have heard that with some brake fluids that are tested the moisture content is already high straight out of the bottle.

Only use "top quality" fluid (ATE, Motul, Brembo.....) from SEALED containers. Never store bottles that have had the airtight seal opened, even capped, moisture is absorbed.

Having spent over 20 yrs living in Florida (regular heavy rain (daily in the summer)/swamp level humidty 6 mos a yr), and doing fluid flushes every 2 yrs, I've never seen a rusty/frozen caliper piston/stuck ABS module/brake line rust on ANY of my vehicles.

If you live in a rainforest, change it every year.

[racingbmwm3]

Where is it cold and wet in Australia?
I live in the Seattle area, it is definitely cold and wet here from October through May (5degrees and raining currently), and then humid throughout the summer. Moisture in the fluid long term will show up as corrosion, but on the short term it will show up as a reduced boiling temperature. Having driven on the track, heating the fluid up to high temperatures increases the rate at which it absorbs water. Never had a problem with brake fluid ever boiling on me even only doing annual flushes. On my street cars, 2 year flushes, never had a problem with corrosion anywhere in the brake system.
Like TiAgX5 says, use good quality brake fluid: BMW, Castrol, ATE, Motul, etc. Don't keep open bottles for more than a year (with the cap screwed on tightly).

[StephenVA]

Here it is
Phoenix Systems (PHOFASCAR-1-100)


Brake Fluid Test Strips (100 / Tube) $62.00 USD


Great deal on Phoenix Systems FASCAR-1-100 at ToolTopia.com

Prior to the development of FASCAR technology, brake fluid testing was based on measuring the moisture content. The use of moisture measurement technology offers only limited scope of brake fluid conditions. FASCAR is not a moisture or PH test, although brake fluid with a high FASCAR rating often has a lowered boiling point. Our research has shown that less then 5% of vehicles tested that were over 24 months / 24K miles had a FASCAR rating in excess of 75. The BrakeStrip, using FASCAR technology, focuses on the maintenance issues of brake fluid. The FASCAR rating system provides you with an accurate method to "Suggest" or "Recommend" a brake system flush. Phoenix System BrakeStrip is cheap insurance.
Features and Benefits:

• Packaged in tubes of 100 strips
• Identifies bad brake fluid in 60 seconds
• Simple and easy to use
• Not a moisture or petroleum test
• Patented FASCAR copper testing technology
• The only MAP approved Copper test

Note: I have used these in the past. For my own vehicles, I follow what has already been written and posted...Flush every two years or less. If you touch the brakes to do any repairs...Bleed them. Cheaper that testing.
Buy a pressure bleeder for the same $$ and save your money for some preventative service parts. You will be happier.

[TiAgX5]

Ok, If "FASCAR is not a moisture or PH test" (their words), how IS it verifying the fluid condition????