Brake fluid replacement is not in owners manual

Our 2016 Tundra we just got has 66k miles and I'm guessing has not had new brake fluid. The owner's manual doesn't seem to discuss when to replace it. Would you recommend just doing it now? Is it pretty straight forward?

 

Yeah, only mentions brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air and that can cause dangerous loss of braking ability.

I would take that to mean, replace it regularly, though the vast majority of folks never do.

Usually in other auto manuals, it is recommended to replace every 2 years.

Basically, bleed the brakes. Replacing with a full synthetic fluid will allow longer intervals because it absorbs less moisture than dino fluid.

 

Copy that. Is FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 a special kind of DOT-3 brake fluid? Any idea how many fl.oz. it takes?

 

All DOT3 brake fluid meets or exceeds DOT3 (Department of Transportation) specification. DOT3 is synthetic. It's a chemical compound called diethylene glycol (DEG), and it absorbs water. Nothing can done about that...that's why it has to be changed. Brake fluid is cheap; I would buy two quarts. If you don't open the second quart, take it back.

Have you bled automotive brakes before? If you have, it's straight forward. If you haven't, you'll need training. If you allow the master cylinder reservoir level to get too low, and air gets into the system from the master cylinder, it will be a professional-level challenge to get the air out of the system. Many Gen3 Tundra owners have ended up with "soft pedal" after DIY brake work.

 

The only time I have ever replaced brake fluid is when putting in a new master cylinder. I have owned several vehicles with well over 100k and 5 to 10 years old and never experienced loss of braking.

 

Toyota service told me brake fluid change is usually at 70k fluid/lube service

 

I would agree with the 70k interval... I fell under the ignore it setting although I did bleed the S out the brakes when I changed brake pads... there is a picture of my brake fluid somewhere on here about how dark it was... after like 100k miles from a previous little brake accident...

 

Technically the industry standard is every 3 years... but honestly... I only touch my brake fluid if it’s dark or I’m doing a caliper.

 

They told me to change mine when I was at the dealership for my 60k blue service.

I did it myself at around 50k
https://www.tundras.com/threads/flyinryank’s-white-15-cm-build.19063/page-2#post-1666811

 

Since the reservoir cover is air tight and it’s a closed system, how does moisture get in? Just wondering

 

All brake fluid systems are vented to allow for pad wear.

Brake fluid absorbs water and when the concentration gets high enough, parts of the brake system (abs, calipers) will corrode. If you're unwilling to flush the system then at least suck out what's in the reservoir and replace that....it's easy.

 

As @empty_lord said, proper brake fluid change interval should be time-based, not mileage-based. Any change interval recommendation of 60K-70K miles per year assumes about 15K-20K annual miles for an average driver. Absorption of water by brake fluid depends on the exposure time. If you put 2500 miles a year on your truck, you wouldn't change the brake fluid for 24+ years. Once you've seen the effects on a neglected 20 year-old system, you understand.

The problem with never replacing brake fluid is system corrosion. You won't observe any change, except maybe some darkening, in five years. But, if you restore classic cars that have been neglected, you see the damage. In older cars, master cylinders and calipers are replaced more often for damage caused by corrosion than from normal wear. Corrosion makes a black sludge that wears/tears the seals, and scores the cylinder bores. If you don't keep your vehicles long (<10 years), then changing brake fluid will not be a high priority for you.

 

I have a 94 Nissan hardbody that I'm pretty sure has the same fluid that came in it.
Maybe I should check it.

 

That’s a job I’m always willing to pay the dealer to do...hate bleeding brakes and yes I have the Motive Power bleeder but it is still messy and a total pain in the ass.

 

If your hardbody has ever had any brake work, then it probably doesn't have the original fluid.

Also as said above, as the pads wear, you have to add fresh fluid to maintain the MC level. And, when the pads are replaced, bleeding purges the old fluid. Of course, pad wear requires miles. If the vehicle is not driven, then possibly it could have the original fluid. If it does have the original fluid, then the damage is done. If the truck passes state inspection (stops well), the "BRAKE" light is not ON, and no cylinders/calipers are leaking, then you're OK...for now.

 

According to this it’s:

Replace brake fluid every 2 to 3 years or 24,000 - 36,000 miles

https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundra-maintenance-guide.315/

 

I suggest having a shop bleed the brakes if you don't have an understanding of the system. Worst thing you could do is bleed incorrectly and have air in the system or pump the master cylinder dry while bleeding then have a real headache having to remove it and bench bleed the master cylinder.

 

Replaced the brake fluid yesterday. Thanks for the advice. Fun job.