brake fluid dirty 10k miles after brake job

Does it seem reasonable that my brake fluid is dirty just 10k miles/11months after front brake job that included bleeding and adjusting the system?

The shop that did the brake job is not the one that is telling me the fluid is dirty.

2008 v6 4wd TRD offroad

 

What does "dirty" mean? Are they talking about the master cylinder or the wheel cylinder? Is the fluid at the wheel cylinders burned? Do you do a lot of off-roading and/or hard braking? If so, it's possible.

 

They are trying to sell you on a brake fluid flush... Don't do it..
All it is going to do is push any grit in the system into wheel cyl and calipers, which will cause them to freeze up.

 

every year?? something is wrong if you are changing it every year...Ive had multiple vehicles and toyotas and never had to change the brake fluid.

 

How would I check it myself -what to look for?

 

no it should be clear, like corn oil in the master cylinder

 

you should be able to see the fluid, where the brake fluid reservoir is. It should be a littler darker than the plastic but still clear. what looks normal..

 

of course if its really black looking then theres issues...

 

good left bad right....

 

Color is somewhat important, but can be deceiving. If its black then you have issues that is for sure, but brake fluid can also be clear and yellow yet should be changed as well.

The important part of brake fluid is its moisture content. Buy a cheap reader off Amazon and see where you stand.

PTE Brake Fluid Tester - calibrated for DOT 4 Brake fluids

https://www.amazon.com/PTE-Tester-calibrated-Brake-fluids/dp/B005HVG4GQ

 

https://www.amazon.com/TOOGOO-Teste...V2HR9YEA12Z&psc=1&refRID=VBCSY6XGVV2HR9YEA12Z if you have AAA Auto coverage they can test brake fluid for you also, along with the auto trans, coolant power steering fluid, oil using test strips

 

These kinds of vague upsells are commonplace at cheapie lube shops. Get a little tester like the one mentioned above and keep track of it yourself.

Brake fluid doesnt wear according to mileage, its more of a time thing. Its hydroscopic and designed to soak up moisture from the system. If you live in a region where its rainy you may need to flush it more often.

Up here in WA i sell lots of brake flushes, once every 2-3 yrs is a good rule of thumb

 

Thanks folks. Fluid looks very clear and clean, just like the pics you posted.

 

I wouldnt mess with it unless you had problems braking...

 

but OP says 10K miles...i dont think theres a problem there...just the shop trying to UPSell some unnecessary maintenance.

 

Unless you are changing the brake fluid yes it makes sense its dirty when you keep using it and don’t change it.

 

Could be the grease used when replacing the caliper piston seals causing it to look dark. I've seen it happen in just a few months.
Anytime the fluid looks darker than normal it gets flushed in my vehicles, or every two years regardless. Maybe an hour job and 2 quarts of Prestone Dot 3 synthetic from Walmart.