As I understand it scenario two is true. Break fluid loves water and will
absorb all it can get hold of. The water so absorbed hates your break system
and will cause as much damage as it can, as soon as it can, everywhere it
can.
   I have never heard of scenario one. New fluid does not **cause** damage
but may very well **reveal** damage that is already there, caused by the old
fluid. If changing the ancient fluid results in a leak your seals were
already ruined and needed changing. Better to discover your ruined seals in
your driveway than to wait for them to announce themselves during a hard
breaking "panic stop".

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of W. Silva
Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2000 9:36 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Brake fluid replacement

Our '85 Westy has nasty looking brake fluid and I have heard two opinions
about changing it.

One:  Leave it alone, if you change it you may ruil the seals. because it's
been in there so long...

Two:  Change it at least every two years because it attracts moisture (what
does this do?)

We have owned the van for about 3 years now and don't know if the PO ever
changed the fluid.

What risks are we taking by changing or not changing the fluid.  Should I
have it done at a dealer or do you think Midas can handle it?

Thanks in advance for your sage advice.

Wendy

John & Wendy
Cape Cod, MA

'85 Westfalia "S-Cape"
'98 Passat "The Do Dah Machine"

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