A VW that can't stop as fast as a 4000 lb SUV?!? THAT'S the best test, Eric!Originally Posted by etlsport
Some brake fluid facts & points to consider:
Brake fluid absorbs moisture if it gets the opportunity, and this makes it less effective. It's good to flush your fluid periodically. Many people use the colored fluids mentioned above to know when they have fully flushed each line. A helper is invaluable. There are also check-valve nipples you can use which allow you to pump the pedal yourself without a helper, but they have been known to fail. Easier to enlist a friend...
Any time the brake fluid system is opened (e.g, replacement of ABS module), air can and will get into the lines. As pressure is applied to the hydraulic lines during braking, the air bubble in the line compresses instead of your brake caliper, and you get no braking.
Replacing fluid will not necessarily change the feel of the brakes, unless you had an air bubble or a lot of moisture in the fluid. If you want a stiffer brake pedal, which just feels better and safer, you need to replace the rubber brake lines (from the end of the metal pipes to the calipers) with stainless steel brake lines, which do not stretch as much under pressure like rubber lines do and give the pedal a firmer, more responsive feel. It will not change your braking distance, though - that's still function of pads, calipers, and tires, not brake lines.
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