What is the service life of brake fluid? That is a question for which there is no simple answer. But it doesn't last forever.

Most motorists don't know that brake fluid wears out over time. They assume it is a lifetime fluid that never needs to be changed, so brake fluid is probably the most neglected fluid in vehicles today.

As brake fluid ages, the corrosion-inhibiting additives in it break down. The earliest signs of chemical decomposition can often be detected within a year or so, or after 10,000 to 12,000 miles of normal driving. Hard use that elevates brake temperatures and pressures can accelerate the rate at which the fluid additives break down even more.  Moisture also creeps into the system to further add to the contamination problem.

• Inspect and measure the thickness of the brake rotors to determine if they can be machined.  Brake rotors that are at or under the minimum thickness are dangerous and should not be used.
• Inspect brake calipers for wear or torn dust boots, leaks
• Inspect wheel cylinders (drum brakes) for leaks.
• Machine brake rotors (if not at or under minimum thickness) or replace brake rotors (Borg Warner lifetime defect warranty rotors only)
• Install new brake pads (Wagner lifetime warranty pads only)
• Install new brake hardware
• Bleed the brake system to remove any air in the system