Old opened can of brake fluid still OK to use?

[SparkyJJO]

Unless you're bleeding your brakes, there should never be a reason to need brake fluid. As the brakes wear, the excess fluid in the reservoir will gradually go down. When you replace the brakes, the fluid will go back to the maximum amount.

I never push the fluid back in the system when replacing pads. Pushing cruddy heat cycled fluid from the caliper backwards into the lines isn't the greatest thing to do. I prefer to open the bleeder when pushing the caliper pistons back so as to keep from doing that.

This also means I need to top off the reservoir.

But anyway, using a 20 year old can of brake fluid is a bad idea. If it was a year old and was tightly sealed I'd see no issue, but 20 years? That's too long for any fluid.

 

[Muse]

Slurp out what's in there, refill, cycle the steering back and forth a few times, slurp out the fluid, and refill again. This will replace a lot of your steering fluid.

I just saw this. Replacing power steering fluid is a good idea? I haven't heard this before.

Yesterday, I added a little (didn't measure but estimate it was about 2 oz.) Dexron III ATF, O'Reilly's house brand (bought yesterday) into the power steering fluid reservoir. I have no idea if that was too little or too much. I haven't turned the car over since. Figure I should run it a bit before inspecting the dip stick.

Does anyone have any idea what the power steering fluid capacity might be on this car (1997 Mazda 626LX 2.0L 4 cylinder)? The owner's manual and Chilton's don't provide a clue, only say to use Dextron II/Mercon compatible ATF to get it topped up to the HIGH mark.

I recycled the ~20 year old brake fluid on Friday.

 

[Jimzz]

^

Any good dexron rated transmission fluid will work.
I used Valvolines maxlife trans fluid, as I keep plenty on hand, in my ford and fords are SUPER picky due to their crappy steering pumps.

 

[JCH13]

I just saw this. Replacing power steering fluid is a good idea? I haven't heard this before.

Yesterday, I added a little (didn't measure but estimate it was about 2 oz.) Dexron III ATF, O'Reilly's house brand (bought yesterday) into the power steering fluid reservoir. I have no idea if that was too little or too much. I haven't turned the car over since. Figure I should run it a bit before inspecting the dip stick.

Does anyone have any idea what the power steering fluid capacity might be on this car (1997 Mazda 626LX 2.0L 4 cylinder)? The owner's manual and Chilton's don't provide a clue, only say to use Dextron II/Mercon compatible ATF to get it topped up to the HIGH mark.

I recycled the ~20 year old brake fluid on Friday.

No idea on the capacity. I used Mobil1 synthetic on my first Miata that had power steering. I have used the remainder in conjunction with acetone as a super-effect penetrating oil. I keep a quart or two on-hand, I would suggest that you do the same. It's not too expensive and doesn't absorb moisture and spoil like brake fluid.

 

[Muse]

No idea on the capacity. I used Mobil1 synthetic on my first Miata that had power steering. I have used the remainder in conjunction with acetone as a super-effect penetrating oil. I keep a quart or two on-hand, I would suggest that you do the same. It's not too expensive and doesn't absorb moisture and spoil like brake fluid.

I assume you mean Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. I have Redline Synthetic ATF (D4) in my 626 LX. The dealership gave me a near empty container, in case I needed extra. Looking inside I could see it had maybe a tablespoon if I was lucky! I have Mobil 1 synthetic oil in the crankcase, made the switch myself a couple weeks ago. I always have acetone around, have a gallon can!

So, you're saying a bit of synthetic ATF + acetone makes a really good penetrating oil?

 

[JCH13]

I assume you mean Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. I have Redline Synthetic ATF (D4) in my 626 LX. The dealership gave me a near empty container, in case I needed extra. Looking inside I could see it had maybe a tablespoon if I was lucky! I have Mobil 1 synthetic oil in the crankcase, made the switch myself a couple weeks ago. I always have acetone around, have a gallon can!

So, you're saying a bit of synthetic ATF + acetone makes a really good penetrating oil?

Yup, I meant ATF.

Yes it does. It's basically Kroil, but not $60/gallon. Best stuff I have ever used.

Edit: ATF and acetone aren't miscible, so you have to shake it up as you use it, not a big deal. You could also try mineral spirits or some other solvent that might be more miscible. I haven't needed to use more that the two bottles I mixed up on my first run.