Brake fluid

[Tony]

The Cayenne S has just serviced at the local OPC. I noticed from the bill that in spite of pretty well coinciding with the car being 2 years old they didn't change the brake fluid.
Not only that but when my wife took it in for a recall (that occured 2 days after the service) everybody seemed suprised we mentioned it and said it wasn't part of the service - although its quite clear in the service book.
Is this normal ? My 964RS is looked after by one of 2 marque specialists both of whom do this as a matter of course. Once changed the pedal feel and response is much improved.
Given the weight of the Cayenne the work the brakes do, even when driven modestly, is considerable. I am suprised the I have to remind the dealer to take money off me for such an obvious safety critical item.

Anybody else with a 2 year old Cayenne & a dealer who doesn't recommend changing the brake fluid?

Tony

 

[Helen Goff]

ours will be due its 2 year service soon.. i would have thought the brakes were checked as part of the service.i'll have to enquire.

 

[lazza]

I have asked about this and it is very clear that fluid should be changed at 24 months or sooner if service intervals make sense.

If it was not done at this service and has not been done at some interim point before (such that it is not needed yet) then you should get it changed.

Hope this helps

Lazza

 

[tiskev]

I had same problem it was not changed and dealer said it should have been but the question is if it is ,or should be, part of the service who pays ? have I paid for it already?

 

[lazza]

On the basis that the services are now fixed price based on a stated requirement, I suggest you have a good case for requiring it as part of the quoted and published standard price.

But this is Porsche UK we're talking about [], so I don't hold out much hope that they will see it this way.

Have a go and let me know how you get on.

If nothing else it will allow me to request the Club to seek clarification from Reading for the members.

Good luck

Lazza

 

[Mark_Bennett]

I've always been charged extra for the brake fluid change. (On top of the appropriate service that is).
OK this is for my Boxster, but the same must apply for the Cayenne?

 

[Tony]

I agree it should be done at 24 months or sooner - my point was that this was not picked up by the OPC - whereas on cars serviced by independant specialists it's always been brought to my attention. With regard to being charged for it. I believe the catch is that it is time not mileage related - which broadly the service is, so it's chargable - and !!!! expensive too.

Tony

 

[Mark_Bennett]

That's about my take on it too...
The milage is irrelevant - it might only be having an "Annual Inspection" but the brake fluid might need doing due to 2 years being up since the last change.

I've always reminded the service manager to do it though - I give them a job list...
So it's always been done ok for me.

 

[tiskev]

I guess we could argue this one forever but i would have thought that if the first service on a Cayenne is Xmiles or 2 years stipulates changing the brake fluid then it would be included in the cost quote.Trouble is you loose the car for another day all all the inconvenience involved.

Quite frankly my fluid resevoir was not even looked at on the service as it was low and undisturbed.
I was surprised to see that Porsche recommend mineral rather than synthetic fluid any thoughts?

 

[Tony]

Ah, Another can of worms gets opened!

For what it's worth. My understanding is that silicone brake fluid (dot 5), which I presume is what we're talking here, is more compressible than mineral - so pedal is less firm/more travel, also because it is not hygroscopic, any water in the system (hard to eliminate completely) is not dispersed so could cause local corrosion.

Mineral fluid has come a long way in recent years, less hygroscopic, higher boiling point.

Both seem to have strong supporters - so I suppose the real answer is I don't know, perhaps someone from the tech forums could enlighten us.

Tony

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Tony - that was my understanding too. I believe Silicone brake fluid was designed for vehicles left in storage a long time (military vehicles etc) and that the performance was not as good.

 

[tiskev]

Thanks Mark/Tony.
Have put synthetic fluid in to a couple of bikes which on Marks theory should be ok as they are laid up for the winter but Tony has me worried about water retention.Oh well time will tell.