I've had my mustang for almost two years now and noticed my brake fluid is very dark....like heavy beer.....think Bass Ale. I don't think this is normal. I want to change this out asap and would like to know which fluid I should use. I've read good things about Motul RBF 600 and ATE Super Blue, but that might be overkill for my needs. I also read some good things about Valvoline DOT 4 Synthetic.

I don't track this car but enjoy some good spirited driving. Any input as to why my fluid got so dark, so quick, is appreciated. I have 18k miles and have never had any brake work done as of yet. Could there be something wrong with the system that would be covered under warranty?

Also, Is it true that the fluid also is used for the clutch?

Thanks for any comments.

 

Brake fluid attracts moisture through the rubber brake hoses and other permeable areas, and the addition of the water causes the dirty, dark coloring. There's nothing wrong with the system, it just gets dirty over time.

I change my fluid once per year, and use Valvoline DOT3/4 fluid. I think the last time I did the Mustang, I needed about four quarts to fully flush and fill. It takes time, but if you've got a helper to keep the master cylinder full while you pump the brakes, and you're careful to keep the hose coming off the bleeder valve submerged (don't suck up any air), you'll be fine.

I'm actually changing my fluid this weekend when I rotate my tires...

JR

 

I recently had my system flushed and used Valvoline to flush, then filled with SuperBlue. Valvoline will do what it needs to do, so save yourself some cash!

 

The only real advantage that the SuperBlue has over the Valvoline is a higher boil temp. In my experience, tracking different cars at Gingerman Raceway, in which I've always used Valvoline, I've never gotten the fluid hot enough to boil.

JR