MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: ArildStavrum on September 10, 2012, 02:52:43 pm

Title: Brake fluid
Post by: ArildStavrum on September 10, 2012, 02:52:43 pm: Hi,

I just picked up my MK5 GTI yesterday and noticed the service book doesnt show the brake fluid having ever been changed!! its a 2006 55 plate so it should have been done at least twice already.

This may be a daft question but how critical is this?

Also I live in Wimbledon (SW London) can anyone recommend a specialist/vw garage in SW London??

Many thanks

Arild
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: bacillus on September 10, 2012, 02:56:58 pm: Yup, brake fluid should be done every 2 years.
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: Tortaruga on September 10, 2012, 02:59:40 pm: VW state that it should be changed every 2-3 years, as the fluid absorbs water. Apparently this can impair braking and affect the Teves unit.

However a friend of a friend who was a design engineer at Ford told me it was absolutely unnecessary to change it so frequently.

Take your pick. I'd change it personally, it's an inexpensive job.
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: Trekmeister on September 10, 2012, 03:03:54 pm: Just had mine done with the service, only cost me £30 (indy specialist) so as said, cheap to have done.
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: ArildStavrum on September 10, 2012, 03:06:50 pm: OK great thanks, I will have it done - did i read somewhere it costs around £60?

Is it not a bit strange that the car has been exclusively serviced at VW Lookers Dealerships (Teeside and Darlington) yet it hasnt been done?
You would have thought they would have advised it should be done.
Maybe is worth giving them a call......
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: Tortaruga on September 10, 2012, 03:11:27 pm: Yes that is strange - give them a buzz, they might have a record of it on their 'system'. Let us know!
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: mad_pete on September 10, 2012, 05:55:17 pm: With my Jag I was asked if I wanted it done by the dealer. As mentioned it is on the cautious side. I'd get it changed but not worry too much. Obviously the brakes are still working at the moment :-). I think if you track it had start boiling the brake fluid moisture in it is more of an issue.
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: rich83 on September 10, 2012, 06:04:25 pm: Brake fluid is hydroscopic... But how does water or water vapour get into a sealed system??

Best to play it safe though.
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: ArildStavrum on September 10, 2012, 06:15:51 pm: VW Lookers in Battersea want 75 bucks to do it and my local garage want 45 plus vat plus the cost of he brake fluid which is probably around 75 bucks!!

Does that sound right?

May as well get it done at VW.

Thanks for all the replies!
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: gobbleplease on September 10, 2012, 06:37:49 pm: Quote from: richwig83 on September 10, 2012, 06:04:25 pm
Brake fluid is hydroscopic... But how does water or water vapour get into a sealed system??

Best to play it safe though.

It can be absorbed through plastic believe it or not, it can even be absorbed through the display packaging, so ive been told,
Thats why i think its got a reasonably reduced shelf life and why some manufactures such as ATE use metal containers. Although it does happen, i think the effects and amounts of liquid absorbed is minimal.
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: Degudodger on September 10, 2012, 10:42:38 pm: Give a couple of VW garages a call. My local (Peter Cooper) will do brake fluid change and Aircon service and regas for £110 which isn't too bad. What seals the deal is the loan car :)
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: phil1975 on September 11, 2012, 09:28:07 am: http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/servicing/fixed-price-servicing

Vw quoting £59 at participating dealers (just enter your postcode), to be done every 2 years
Title: Re: Brake fluid
Post by: ArildStavrum on September 11, 2012, 11:33:49 am: Great stuff, thanks Phil....much appreciated. Morden 3.68 miles away!!!