Fuel filter, brake fluid and power steering fluid

[Fast Freddy]

At what mileage or time should these items be replaced? I have 26,000 miles on my GT now and just ordered a fuel filter because it has never been replaced. The power steering fluid got replaced at the 12,000 mile mark when my power steering pump got replaced because it was leaking. The brake fluid got flushed then too.

 

[GT@50]

I'd do the fuel filter at 20 year intervals. Most of us anyways. Where did you find one? Brake fluid every couple years, clutch every year especially if tracking. P/S one more time when you replace the hose.

 

[Fast Freddy]

Unfortunately I just got a email from the place I attempted to buy the fuel filter from online that says that part is not in stock. Website was showing it to be in stock. Was a Ford dealer in Missouri. So If anybody knows where I can get a fuel filter please let me know. Thanks.

 

[PeteK]

In my opinion:
Fuel filters: Replace at recommended miles, not on time. Time doesn't matter, what matters is how much junk the filter holds. Unfortunately, there's no way to know without opening it up. In my experience across multiple cars, unless you feed it discount gas station gas, the filters stay very clean and can be run for multiples of the recommended miles. If you have trouble finding a filter, just keep running it.

PS fluid: It has no recommended change interval. But, 20 years is long enough. This isn't something you "must do now," but schedule it for the next time you are doing maintenance or oil change. However, check the fluid level now.

Brake and clutch fluid: The problem with these fluids is they absorb moisture over time. Therefore, they need to be replaced on time, more than on miles. Many manufacturers recommend 2-year replacement intervals. If you live in a humid environment, that's what you should use. If you live in a dry environment, 3-4 years is okay. If you track the car, at least every year. FYI, Porsche Club requires brake fluid to be changed within 6 months of track events. Another tell: If the brake fluid starts getting brown, that's due to corrosion (rust) so change it if it gets darker than amber.

With due respect to Rob's professional experience (GT@50), I dont' think the clutch fluid should be changed more often than brake fluid, as they are the same fluid and subject to the same moisture absorption. NOTE: There is a specific procedure for changing the clutch fluid, so refer to the book.

 

[Fast Freddy]

It is very dry here in Arizona. My experience with brake fluid in cars, trucks and motorcycles is that you can go a very long time without changing it as long as the vehicle is driven with low mileage and not raced. I get my clutch fluid replaced every 3,000 miles now because it is so hot here. I will be getting my power steering fluid and brake fluid flushed again in 3 weeks.

 

[twobjshelbys]

It is very dry here in Arizona. My experience with brake fluid in cars, trucks and motorcycles is that you can go a very long time without changing it as long as the vehicle is driven with low mileage and not raced. I get my clutch fluid replaced every 3,000 miles now because it is so hot here. I will be getting my power steering fluid and brake fluid flushed again in 3 weeks.

If your car is not stored in a climate controlled garage, ie, it gets warm too, then your battery life is shortened significantly. Most store batteries will be replaced under the 3 year warranty at least once... My battery lasted 5 years but 3 of those were in Colorado where garage temps are cooler.

The temp also affects belt life.

Arizona and southern Nevada (and everywhere in between) are EXTREMELY dusty. Air filters get dirty faster, all of them. I also do shorten my oil change interval on daily drivers to 3K (regular oil) or 5K (full synthetic) because of the dusty conditions.

I noted when I brought in our 2015 Honda CRV for its 30K service that they didn't list a date or mileage to change but instead listed the "oil life remaining" number. If I'd gone by that I wouldn't have change the original oil before 30K.

 

[nota4re]

With due respect to Rob's professional experience (GT@50), I dont' think the clutch fluid should be changed more often than brake fluid, as they are the same fluid and subject to the same moisture absorption. NOTE: There is a specific procedure for changing the clutch fluid, so refer to the book.

Hey Pete,

I DO think that the clutch fluid needs to be changed every couple of years. Yes, it's the same fluid (typically) but the reservoir of the clutch fluid is so damn small, it just seems to get gunk-ed up MUCH faster than the brake fluid. It's easy to flush/change. You only need to use the bleed nipple near the bellhousing. One tip - have in-car assistant be barefoot so they can pull up on the pedal with their toes. Other than that, it's the same process as the brakes!

 

[GT@50]

Fuel filter is probably not dirty but I question the element integrity after 20 years of sitting in who knows what, so I'd be for replacing the fuel filter if you could get one. I've had some on order for about 6 months.
Clutch fluid is probably fine for a couple years unless you track it. I agree that the quantity is the main reason for changing it a little more often.
Suck out reservoir, bleed twice, refill, bleed twice, refill, repeat as desired. Bleed three times, you'll suck air and have a bad day.

 

[PeteK]

If you need to change the clutch fluid, I think you need to change the brake fluid too.

 

[white out]

I agree with everyone that clutch fluid should be bled more frequently than brakes on FGT.
Clutch fluid is easy to boil after a spirited run - anyone running older fluid knows the clutch pedal to the floor scenario. The fluid life is similar to Corvette/Viper, but without as much contamination. For how simple it is to flush, it is an easy choice to do yearly.

Brakes virtually never overheat the fluid on the street. But the fluid should be changed more often than most people deem suitable.

 

[texas mongrel]

"Cluch pedal to the floor scenario" is instantly fixed by installing a trannsaxle cooler. From memory, doesn't the manual say change all fluids every 30,000 miles?

 

[Art138]

Fuel filter is probably not dirty but I question the element integrity after 20 years of sitting in who knows what, so I'd be for replacing the fuel filter if you could get one. I've had some on order for about 6 months.
Clutch fluid is probably fine for a couple years unless you track it. I agree that the quantity is the main reason for changing it a little more often.
Suck out reservoir, bleed twice, refill, bleed twice, refill, repeat as desired. Bleed three times, you'll suck air and have a bad day.

Actually the integrity of the fuel filter holds well over the years. Changed mine a few years back and realized I could have waited many more years.

 

[Fast Freddy]

I got borla race headers, etc and my clutch fluid gets cooked fast in this arizona heat

 

[jammer]

In my opinion:
Fuel filters: Replace at recommended miles, not on time. Time doesn't matter, what matters is how much junk the filter holds. Unfortunately, there's no way to know without opening it up. In my experience across multiple cars, unless you feed it discount gas station gas, the filters stay very clean and can be run for multiples of the recommended miles. If you have trouble finding a filter, just keep running it.

The filter material can deteriorate over time. So even if the car isn't driven much the filter fabric itself is subject to breakdown over time sending filter material downstream and clogging to the injectors. Other than nuclear waste nothing stays the same over 20 years.

 

[PeteK]

Hah, hah--nuclear waste decays, so after 20 years, it's less radioactive. Unlike, say, arsenic or gold

 

[Petunia]

Just about to change out my brake fluid. Ford dealer (Galpin) can't supply the spec fluid. B/O'd. Dumb question but I assume Dot 4 for higher boiling point. Any comments on brand? I didn't see any mention in the threads or maybe I missed something. Thx.

 

[nota4re]

No need to over think this. Do you plan to track the car? If yes, then maybe use a Motul660. If not, just choose a Dot 3 fluid from a known brand.

 

[Petunia]

Just about to change out my brake fluid. Ford dealer (Galpin) can't supply the spec fluid. B/O'd. Dumb question but I assume Dot 4 for higher boiling point. Any comments on brand? I didn't see any mention in the threads or maybe I missed something. Thx.

Thx! Just re-read the owners manual and DOT 3 for me.

 

[PeteK]

DOT 5.1 is even higher boiling point. Most FLAPS sell it. I bought the Pentosin sold by NAPA. Look on the label--higher boiling point is better.

DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.1 are all compatible. DO NOT use DOT5. It is silicone based and not miscible with the others.

 

[Fast Freddy]

Got my brake fluid and power steering fluid changed again last week. Also got the fluid in my coolant reservoirs changed out too. I get my my coolant reservoirs done every oil change because it will take forever to flush the coolant from your entire system if you don't. Also we wrapped my exposed clutch fluid line in DEI 800 degree high temp heat shield material. All belts and hoses looked good. Was put on a waiting list for a fuel filter. They could not tell me how many people are on the list before me. I now have 27,000 miles on the car and predict I will have 36,000 miles on the car by the end of this year when I buy a Corvette in December. How many miles can I put on the fuel filter before I start having problems??? I put 85,000 miles on my TRX before I sold it and never changed the fuel filter because it was inside the gas tank with the fuel pump and is recommended to replace when the fuel pumps burn out. I never had any problems with it...