dirty break fluid

I think my local dealer service department has just raised their
dishonesty level.

Took in 2007 Accord for a minor service at 41k miles, they called and
said (a) front brakes need replacing for first time, (b) disks needed
turning, (c) brake fluid was dirty and needed replacing.

(a) seems possible
(b) was probably not true
(c) does this one even make sense?

Thanks.

J.

ps - way overpriced on all above services, but I knew that and paid
for convenience, but if (c) is bogus, I'm not going back.

 

The front brakes take the brunt of the weight of the vehicle when
stopping, so it's not surprising to see them needing to be replaced.
Depending on an individual's driving habits it's not uncommon to see
replacement needed before that little bit of mileage you have on your
vehicle is required.

It's interesting that they suggested turning the rotors as they usually
prefer to replace the rotors.

Brake fluid breaks down over time and if you had read your owners
manual you would see that it calls for replacing the brake fluid every
three years.

 

based on my experience, this is somewhat premature. get a second opinion.

1. fronts typically last 60-80k. and they have wear indicators - you'll
hear when they're worn enough to replace.
2. honda disks rarely need turning or replacing before 100k, if ever*.
3. brake fluid needs replacement on a time schedule, not color.

if this were my car, i'd wait.

* here's the scoop on the front brakes: it's common for hondas to have a
"disk warping" problem. this is seldom actually the case, it's usually
a problem caused by incorrect torque and seating of the wheel. the cure
is to put a little antiseize on the face of the disk where the wheel
mounts [taking care not to get any on the braking surface], then torque
the lug nuts to spec with a two stage process, NOT just hammer the
things on with an impact driver as is typically the case.

 

It does indeed.

Honda recommends that their dealers turn the disks any time new pads are
installed.

Turning the disks is not /absolutely/ necessary, but it does help
tremendously in reducing customer comebacks on account of brake vibration,
which is why Honda recommends it.

Yes. Your brake fluid is pretty much due for a change, according to your
maintenance schedule. Brake fluid absorbs water and does not last forever.
Left in too long, brake fluid forms gums and rust in the hydraulic
components of the braking system.

What's the build date of your car? It will be on a plate in the driver's
door frame. If the current month is close to three years from the build
date, you're due for a fluid change.

 

I'll be diddled. I thought the dealer was just pushing it.

It's close to three years since I bought it, so I guess it's a little
longer since they built it!

Thanks.

I guess outside of charging almost double some other local dealers,
this one's honesty, at least - is unchanged!

J.

 

oh.

(smacks forehead)

y'know, the dealer coulda just said the same thing to me.

this "NO TUNEUPS FOR 100,000 MILES!" stuff confuses the Joe Citizens
like myself. I mean, I have glanced at the owners manual, but ...
guess I should so so again.

I am planning to trade the car within a few weeks (!), another reason
I feel extra special stupid for paying dealer prices to turn rotors
and stuff right now, could easily have just passed on it. For sure,
if it was going to be much longer, I'd be needing tires, too, even
this Joe Citizen can see that.

Thanks.

J.

 

LOL! It happens.

 

If you're planning on trading the car in in a few weeks, why spend anything
other than the bare amount necessary? Why pay for what will eventually end
up being somebody else's benefit at your cost?

 

My 06 Accord coupe (I4) needed new rear pads at 53k. Rotors did not need to
be turned. Fronts were only 60% worn. Our 03 Pilot went 75k on front and
rear;rotors just fine.

 

I would change the pads, leave the rotors alone unless it has grooves
or gouges in it. Replace brake fluid as per manual.

 

Probably shouldn't have.

Also should probably spell it "brakes".

Oh well.

J.

 

oh.

(smacks forehead)

y'know, the dealer coulda just said the same thing to me.

this "NO TUNEUPS FOR 100,000 MILES!" stuff confuses the Joe Citizens
like myself. I mean, I have glanced at the owners manual, but ...
guess I should so so again.[/QUOTE]

wow.

Don't "glance" at the owner's manual again. READ it.

I'm utterly amazed at the number of people who don't READ the fucking
owner's manual.

What the hell, you know how to drive, right?