Brake fluid

[jsz]

I have a 2002 extreme trailer w/ disk brakes. I check the fluid every year and it has always looked good. This year it had some small "film" flakes floating on it so I took a closer look. I dabbed it w/ a paper towel and some of the flakes came up. They looked green and the fluid looked a little brownish. I decided to suck it out and refill it with some DOT 3 fluid I had. I did this several times to get as much of the dirty stuff out as possible.

BTW the brakes always seemed to work good.

So here's my questions:
1. Have any of you ever noticed this "film" or the fluid turning brown?

2. I assumed it was DOT 3 but I'm not sure. Any chance it could be DOT 4 or 5? I've heard you're not supposed to mix them.

3. Just sucking the fluid out of the tank and refilling shouldn't merit a full bleeding, should it?

[chpthril]

Fluid first:
DOT 3 is a std brake fluid used in most systems - can NOT be used in a DOT 4 or 5 system.
DOT 4 has a higher heat resistance, will not boil as aesy. - Can be used in a DOT 3 and 4 but NOT DOT 5.
DOT 5 is synthetic for race and hi -perf systems. Can only be used in DOT 5 systems.

Sounds like you may have some moisture build up in the master cyl. Brake fluid is like a sponge, it will absorb moisture real quick if open to the elements. Check the cap real close.

I would recommend flushing atleast a qt of fresh fluid through the system, moisture and debris will find thier way to the wheel cyc/calipers and cause failure.

[Razzman]

It's probably DOT3, my new disc actuator is. I would bleed the brakes regardless, especially after sucking all the fluid out.

[jsz]

I just called Extreme trailers and the mechanic confirmed DOT 3. He also suggested flushing the system every 3-4 years depending on use.

[chpthril]

Here is a thread from a while back showing how I bleed my brakes, if it helps.

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...trailer+brakes

[jsz]

Thanks, I saw that.