Changing brake fluid

[MegaMang]

How often should you change the brake fluid?

Mike
(RB Now you'll know...)

[justfreaky]

 Good question Mike!

 I would think that it would be relative to how hot your brake fluid gets, or how long the car sits between race days. Brake fluid can collect condensation fairly quickly. (The reason I never use an open can of brake fluid in the race car.) The old Super Stock ('68 Dodge SuperBee); VERY HEAVY CAR, on a VERY short track -  I changed it every 3 or 4 race weekends. The Mod; Lighter, and Longer tracks; I changed every 2 months. Only because brake fluid is cheap.
I would like to know that there are brakes when I need them!

 My .02 for what you think it's worth.

Steve

[MegaMang]

Steve,

So how quickly do you notice the brakes fading due to condensation?

Mike

[justfreaky]

When I push the brake pedal and it goes to the floor,
I notice very quickly! 

Seriously;
 Condensation in the brake fluid causes the fluids boiling point to change. It is not brake fade. It is an issue with heating, or boiling, the brake fluid. If the pedal goes all soft, (usually) You have not faded the brakes, but likely boild the fluid. That big ol' Dodge, on a short track, really could heat up the brakes.
 Brake Fade is usually caused due to (A) "Green Fade" - The natural process of bedding the brake pads; Or (B) "Pad or Compound Fade" - Due to brake pad, or compound, exceeding it's temperature limits. The symptom is usually a normal pedal (high and firm), but almost no stopping power.
 The cure -  go to a harder, more heat resistant, brake pad; or, improve cooling to the rotors.

 Hope that helps some.

Steve

[justfreaky]

Side Note;
 Make sure caliper seals are good also.
 Does happen.
 Some good info in "Prepare To Win" and "Engineer To Win" (Carroll Smith). Basically, heat cycle the brake pads when breaking them in.


Steve

[justfreaky]

 Any time you can use less brake, you should be better off.
Remember your theory on shaving tenths of seconds per lap?
It all applies.
Smoother driving = Faster lap times.
Also = less wear and tear on equipment.

Steve