What should the charge be for a complete brake fluid flush and fill ?

Hey guy's, So my truck has 83K on it now and I will be doing a brake upgrade
in the future . So what would be a reasonable charge to have a complete brake fluid flush
at a local repair shop? Not a dealership.

Maybe $100 - $200 ?

 

Sounds about right. My dealer charged $110 included fluid.

 

I figured maybe $150 was a good deal. I may go ahead and have the rear shoes
and drums checked as well. I do have a pair of 5100's I need to install, wonder about
a package deal maybe ?

The front rotors and pads are easy enough to do myself.

 

Beware brake fluid flush is typically separate from any other brake service in terms of pricing, because you can do the flush without even removing the rear wheels.

 

Well I would assume the rear wheels are going to be off for the inspection anyway.
The separate cost does not bother me. I just do not know how old the fluid is.
I need to set a bench mark for having the fluid changed. Then I know how
long to wait to do it again in the future. Drum brakes are just not my thing.
I've done plenty of disks, But always get the rear drums done by a shop.

 

Older Toyota maintenance booklets say brake flush every 4 years. Newer booklets say every 3 years. Suggest you use Toyota-branded fluid as it contains lubricants for the master cylinder seals.

 

Well the truck is 8 years old and the history only shows it was serviced by a toyota dealer
and it's not specific to if the brake fluid was ever flushed. I assume it was not.
Even if it was done once most likely it's due or overdue to be done again.
I would much rather assess the brakes after the fluid has been changed. At least
then I can gauge how effective the new brake parts are.

 

I had mine done by my independent shop - $120. So your estimate is good. At 8 years old your truck is ready for a fluid change.

 

So did you only get the fluid flushed with no other work performed ? and how did the braking
improve ?

 

A brake flush isn't to improve your normal braking. Over time your brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. This lowers the boiling point of your brake fluid. Then, if you really work you brakes hard the hot calipers boil the fluid and your braking becomes non-existent. It's a safety-related maintenance item.

Yes, shops will do brake flush only. I do most of my own brake work otherwise.

 

Yes I'm fully on board with Hydroscopic fluids. Me too on the brake work but this is a messy
job for just one honcho. Easier to let the guy I know locally to do it for me. He's pretty
good and honest .