My FL2 is now almost 5 years old (bought new March 2008) In this time, I have only clocked up 31000 miles. Is it advisable to drain the radiator/flush it out, and refill with coolant/antifreeze, and also, should I change the brake fluid?
My apologies if this has been covered previously.

Steve.

The coolant is marked up for a change in 10 years, I wouldn't bother myself.

As for the brake fluid this should have been done at 3 years, it is time related and not mileage because it naturally attracts and absorbs moisture (hygroscopic) and could lose brake efficiency, along with the chance of corrosion to the master and wheel cylinders.

Compared to the cost of maybe seized or leaking cylinders at a later date it is relatively cheap to get it changed.

Mines just had its 3rd service, 60000 by Land Rover and according to the service book they changed the brake fluid and coolant, didnt see the actual bill as they never give me one because I never pay it.

The anti freeze/summer coolant will be fine but get the brake fluid changed. Due to the nature of brake fluid and how it absorbs mosture so every three years max is the best policy to have it changed

Thanks everyone, for the advice. I'll get the brake fluid done very soon.

My local garage samples the brake fluid and works out the boiling point and will advise if its needed. I think its about £40 or thereabouts.
chris

Strange this brake fluid thing. I've been told every time so far that it doesn't need changing. And that's on an 07 car.

I was told the same, it's checked for water content, then a decision is made, but Liam@lr has said it should be changed at three years.


http://www.freel2.com/forum/post163196.html#163196

Hi, I gather from the reply's that 3 years is possibly a guideline. I think that taking a sample and mesuring to water content and boiling point is the more practical approach. Maybe its garages trying to cash in on a manufactureres guideline.
If you are concerned I would say get it done for piece of mind.
NB. My wifes car is an 04 voyager and still has good brakes on the original brake fluid (80K miles)

Yesterday i went to get a litre of brake fluid from my local dealer..
I asked how much i need for a full change so he went and asked the service guys...
Came back with the answer of 1ltr but we do not do brake fluid changes here..
So where the hell do they do them and i wonder if they ever do them...

Sounds strange to me as i have had a feeling some things are not done on a service when they see a car such as mine that does under 5k a year in mileage..

Fuel filter was £45.

I bought a genuine fuel filter from fleabay for £23. Always worth a look! John
07 HSE Narvick Black
Land Rover Series One
Triumph Rocket 111 (sadly gone!)

I would ask where they sample the brake fluid? Its no use sampling in the fluid reservoir as this will be fairly clean and fresh. Its in the cylinders that you need to flush which is where any water will be and degraded fluid due to the effects of heat.

The reservoir is the only place moisture can be absorbed so that is where it is tested. How can moisture be absorbed in the wheel cylinders? Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Water drops to the bottom in oil and brake fluid so get some in at the top and it will find it's way down the the wheel cylinders. Also, if you get the brakes hot and then you drive through water/puddles, the sudden cooling of the hot wheel cylinders/callipers can cause a vacuum affect which can draw moisture in past the seals. This is why you should check/change axle oil if you have been doing serious wading with hot axles. John
07 HSE Narvick Black
Land Rover Series One
Triumph Rocket 111 (sadly gone!)

Just look at the dirty dark colour of the fluid from the cylinders next time you bleed the brakes.