Hello,
I have a 2017 Toyota Camry LE. I saw Scotty's video about testing brake fluid and purchased a tester. When I opened the brake fluid reservoir, there is a filter in there and the fluid is below the filter so I cannot put the tester probes into the fluid as the fluid is below the filter. I called the dealership and they said to gently depress the brake pedal, which should cause the fluid level to go up, but I did this with both the car running and turned off and the fluid level did not change. How am I supposed to get to the brake fluid to actually test it? I'm not sure how to remove the filter and don't want to damage anything.
there is a filter in there and the fluid is below the filter
Please use the search before asking. It was already asked.
I called the dealership and they said to gently depress the brake pedal, which should cause the fluid level to go up
total nonsense. Who said this ... their window cleaner?
purchased a tester
I wouldn't trust those things
How many miles do you have? Your fluid is probably fine still. It's only 7y old.
Thank you @MountainManJoe! The car has just shy of 20,000 miles and the fluid color is close to clear, slightly pink/tan in color. It was the service writer at the dealership who tried to help. If you do not trust the brake fluid testers, how do you determine when to change the brake fluid. The dealership says every 3 years or 30,000 miles, but that seems like a waste based on what Scotty says.
It’s a well sealed system if nothing goes wrong . I’ve never seen brake fluid go bad. Sounds like you don’t drive very much. I think if you did it in 2027 you’d be fine
Thank you @MountainManJoe! The car has just shy of 20,000 miles and the fluid color is close to clear, slightly pink/tan in color. It was the service writer at the dealership who tried to help. If you do not trust the brake fluid testers, how do you determine when to change the brake fluid. The dealership says every 3 years or 30,000 miles, but that seems like a waste based on what Scotty says.
A darkened color brake fluid might be concerning but your color is fine. A service writer's job is to suggest and write up parts/services for a dealership to profit on. Whether you actually need the part or service is an entirely different matter so any suggestions offered up should be met with skepticism. As far as when you should change your brake fluid, the recommendation made in the FAQ's 'Maintenance' section is here.
