I have my CS about 15 months but I already get a display reminder that i need a service in 28 days (meaning 2-year maintenance around the corner). I don't drive much because I work from home; therefore, it has less than 5k miles.
Would it be wrong if I only replace the old brake fluid in the reservoir with the new one without bleeding the break's calipers? The reason I ask is first I am not a very handy guy, second I don't abuse the breaks.
Just wonder if I do the above, what is the percent of old brake fluid is still left in? 10% - 20%? If that is the case, then I will replace the old break fluid more often, let's say every year, to compensate. Does it make sense?
BTW, I am planning to do the oil change with a friend that know an independent mechanic whom has a lift.
I think P. requires oil change & replace break fluid for 2-yr maintenance, the rest are checks.
Thanks in advance!
Yes, I think it would be wrong to just replace the the brake fluid in the reservoir after two years.
IMHO, wrong, very wrong. Buy a power bleeder and use one of the many excellent articles here or DIY's online. Or pay to have it done.
I too am not very handy but was 'forced' to learn to bleed brakes for racing. With the right tools, it is not very hard, the biggest concern is air in the lines which the power bleeder should eliminate. Also, brake fluid is very harsh, be clean and clean up any mishaps immediately and thoroughly.
I also use the bleed/pad change intervals to clean up the calipers and surrounding area with
brake cleaner
followed by detergent and rinse to prevent build up of hardened brake dust. Some detailer types might cringe at that though?
I'm not saying I won't hopefully get assistance my first time around on the Porsche....
Brake fluid degrades due to water gradually entering the system, as well as heat degradation generated by the brakes. So the fluid that is stressed the most is near the calipers. Many people bleed the brakes first, to remove the fluid near the calipers, as they replace the fluid in the entire system.
I will often just bleed the brakes at each corner before a track event, to ensure that fresher fluid is working the caliper under the stressful conditions at a DE. I then replace all the fluid annually. Every two years per Porsche's recommendations is likely very adequate for street use.
John Cuellar
Don't skimp. The fluid that needs changing most is what's in or near the caliper. Bleed the entire system. As others have mentioned, brake fluid attracts and absorbs water (it's hygroscopic) and that water helps form nasty compounds in the fluid that hurt your lines and calipers (and ABS).
I hope you take that Cayman out now and then and get it all hot and bothered. Not for the brakes, but the engine and the
exhaust
system. If you don't get the engine hot for a good period of time now and then (once a month is probably ok) condensation can collect in the oil. Getting the engine hot turns the condensation into vapor, and it gets sucked into the PCV system and sent harmlessly through the combustion process. Condensation also forms in the
exhaust
system, and heat vaporizes it there too, making the mufflers and pipes last a lot longer. I'm not talking about abusing it, I mean getting the rpms up consistently for at least twenty miles.
