Anyone know of a test center in the NorthEast that tests for contaminated brake fluid? I know of one in ILL, but was hoping for something closer

Thanks

 

Why do you ask?

 

A vehicle I repaired about 3 months/2500 miles ago all of a sudden has a brake problem...as in no brakes. The previous repair consisted of replacing all the rear lines...they rotted out.

The fluid in the master is now contaminated and the cover seal has pretty much disintegrated, not swollen, but literally disolved. I suspect foul play based on the fact that ONLY the master was required to repair the brakes(as of right now). Before the vehicle is returned to the customer, I want to know what is in the fluid ASAP...it smells like a solvent, possibly a paint thinner??? In addition I need to know what the contaminate is so I can make a descion as to whether further components like ABS pump/valve block, calipers, hoses should be replaced. In my opinion they should be, but naturally the customer claims no one has added anything to the master and most likely will refuse to pay.

Oh well, the joys of this business... :roll:
This is one of many reasons I want to drive a truck instead of turning wrenches ...and THAT day will come!

 

Typically, if contamination is present, the entire system is serviced (any component with rubber lining, seals, cups, etc), including a thorough flush with denatured alcohol.

Do not drain contaminated fluid through the components (bleeders at the wheels).

The wheel cylinders and calipers (in hindsight, also the master cylinder, huh?) only require flushing, and then rebuild kits; seal rings, cups, etc.

However, the first component in the system (either the modulator or combination/proportioning valve) can be disassembled and inspected... if these rubber components are not swelled/dissolved, etc. then the downstream components might be ASSUMED ok.

Of course, seeing as you're not certain of the type of contamination (which is usually engine oil, trans/power streering fluid, windshield washer, etc) then it would certainly be prudent to do a complete system inspection --- you don't want an accident on your conscience due to an economically viable conclusion. That spells liability :-(

 

Since I didn't know what the contamination was, I removed the master and emptied it into a container. The next step was to remove all the lines that go to the ABS pump/valve block. Since the ABS assembly is not a serviceable component, all I could do was drain it...you could still smell the contaminate there too. I'm fairly certain that the contaminate is not a petroleum product, the brake fluid is still clear...I swear it smells like thinner. Next I removed the hoses at all 4 calipers and drained them. No odor from the fluid in the calipers.

No doubt the complete system should be serviced, including component reseal or replacement. But at this point I was instructed to ONLY replace the master and flush the complete system, which I did...I don't own this dealership nor am I a manager, I'm only an employee. I believe the shop is going to eat the parts and just pay me for my time. I really don't think they want to argue with the customer over who is responsible. FWIW...the vehicle is a 97 Caddy with 150K miles and it isn't worth the exspense that it would take to do this job correctly.

As of now the brake system is fine and the ABS works as designed. However, before I sign off on this job and return it to the customer, I WANT to know what was in the fluid. I WILL document what I did and what I was told to do on the RO. Honestly...I don't think my boss cares what was in the fluid since it doesn't appear to have caused any other damage(his words) other than the master cyl. If he did, he would have taken the initiative to have the fluid tested instead of me doing it. It's his and the co's azz on the line, not mine.

Well I didn't find any test center in the NorthEast that tests brake fluid, so I'm sending it to the place in ILL this AM. Hopefully I'll have an answer sometime next week.

 

Once the master was removed, you should have pushed the fluid up through the system with a pressure bleeder, that would have saved the contaminated fluid from flowing through the uncontaminated lines/components... keep in mind the contaminant might adhere to the tubing inner walls as it flows out.

It could take a significant period of time for the damage to show itself --- in the case of an abs valve --- the modulator is never active until an abs event occurs - possibly that will never happen, therefore the valve will never "stick" or lock up until an event does occur.

Are you a "certified" technician? I assume this a gm dealership?... and their techs are required to do a brake certification program before doing brake work in the shop.