replace brake fluid

[exvette]

I trhink the manual says to change the brake fluid every three years? Do you do this? If you do, what brand and type of brake fluid (Dot -?) do you use?

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[sk47]

Hello; I do flush both brake fluid and hydraulic clutch fluid. Use whatever the owners manual recommends.
Be careful trying some brake fluids such as silicone types. These can require extensive cleaning out of the system as they do not mix well with regular types.

 

[skinnyb]

I do. And the factory Motorcraft DOT 4 is fine. I use ATE though.

 

[Evolvd]

Unless you’re racing your car and going ham on your brakes there’s absolutely zero need to change your brand of fluid from stock motorcraft stuff.

You can also do the work yourself for much cheaper than dealer cost. Get a Motive brake bleed kit and catch bottle, it’ll make light work of the job and can be done by yourself.

 

[Bitten in '69]

Not all brake fluids are created equally. Yes, you should change every 2-3 years because it is hygroscopic. The fluid absorbs moisture from the air and the boiling point decreases over time.
A quick Google search will show charts that have been done comparing every brand of DOT 3, 4, and 5.1. It shows dry and wet boiling points, and cost per Oz.
You can make you own decision.
DOT 5 is silicone based and should never be considered for street applications.

 

[xcm77]

I change the brake fluid every 3 years or sooner based on use (I occasionally track the car) and I use motorcraft stuff.

 

[sk47]

Hello; Nothing wrong with using Ford brand brake fluid. Nothing wrong with using aftermarket brands of brake fluid. Go to the manual and find the required specifications then be sure to use a fluid which meets those specs.
While under warranty I tend to use manufacturer fluids as a just in case. Should not make a difference if you use a quality brand but having receipts to show cannot hurt.

 

[Skye]

Yes, the fluid should be changed, per the Owners Manual schedule. Brake fluid absorbs moisture through any of the plastics (reservoir) and rubber (lines).

I've been leaning forward a bit, prepping to do mine next season. If you're going to DIY, Motive's bleeder system has been recommended here several times. The following is guidance on systems and caps to purchase.

As to the fluid, I'm going to continue to use the Motorcraft, factory-recommended fluid.

----------------Motive's Guidance-----------------------------------

Starting in 2015 Ford made yet another shift to the 1100 style cap (the 1109 is the metal version of the 1100). We are seeing more late model Fords start to use the 1100 style. We know 2015+ Mustangs use the 1100/1109.

Application Guide

https://www.motiveproducts.com/pages/application-guide

Adapter Cap Pictures and Measurements

- Pressure Bleeder
- Adapter
- Catch Can

Ford/Lincoln/Mercury

Prior to 1985 most Ford products used a rectangular or oval shaped cap on a wide mouthed reservoir. From the late 60s to mid 80s the reservoir was cast iron, after that time period it was plastic. If the reservoir is less than 3.75" x 6" the 1105 adapter will be needed which comes with kit 0105, if larger than 3.75"x6" the 1115 adapter in kit 0115 will be needed.

Prior to the 2005 model year every ford built since 1985 used the 1107 style cap (1117 is the metal version of the 1107). The 1107 is a 1/6 turn twist to lock cap with three locking tabs. The metal version of the 1107 is the 1117. Very rarely some Ford products use a round cap with only two locking tabs - that kit is the 0106 which comes with adapter 1106 - THIS IS A VERY RARE ADAPTER - Please make sure your car actually needs the two tab cap before ordering.

Starting in 2005 Mustangs started to use the 1118 adapter and some other Ford cars also started to use the 1118 adapter as time went on to about 2015. (note the 1108 WILL NOT WORK on Ford reservoirs). Starting in 2015 Ford made yet another shift to the 1100 style cap (the 1109 is the metal version of the 1100). We are seeing more late model Fords start to use the 1100 style. We know 2015+ Mustangs use the 1100/1109. Some 2015+ F150s also use the 1100/1109.

The best thing to do is to look at your cap if your Ford vehicle is newer than 2005.

The 1100/1109 is simple to tell - it is a female threaded adapter that is about 1.75". It actually screws on 1.5-2 full turns onto the reservoir.

If it looks like this it is the 1100/1109The 1107/1117 is a twist to lock 1/6 turn adapter. It has 3 locking tabs on the underside of the cap that engage tabs on the reservoir neck. It has an ID of about 2.0" Also some mid teen Ford reservoirs use much thicker tabs than the 1107 is designed to work. In that case you will need to use the 1101 adapter.

Please see this page for the tab thickness.

The 1118 is also a twist to lock 1/6 turn adapter. It has 3 locking tabs on the underside of the cap that engage tabs on the reservoir neck. It has an ID of about 1.8"
Small Ford cars built on a European chassis such as the Focus and the Fiesta many times will need to use the European Bleeder 0100 or the 0109 with corresponding adapter 1100/1109.
You can see pictures of our adapters with measurements at the below link

https://www.motiveproducts.com/pages/caps

From the caps web reference,

"1107/1117 Ford/Subaru/Nissan/Mistubishi
Mustangs after 2005 thru 2014 need the 1118.
Mustangs after 2015 use the 1100/1109"

 

[cerbomark]

under 20K miles on my 2020 and I used Ford dealer OEM fluid.

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