Brake fluid storage

[76k5grrl]

I searched this but my phone only came up with a few options that were related to vehicle storage.

Is there a "right" way to store a fairly large amount of brake fluid that I not be using for (hopefully) a good long while?

I thought bleeding my system would take a lot more fluid than it actually did, so now I'm sitting on this stuff. I know you're not supposed to use "old" fluid because of risk of water...

Would a mason jar work?

If not storage, then is there something else I can use it for aside from my braking system?

 

[TerryD]

I've always just stored it in the original container in a basement. As long as you are not opening it often I wouldn't think you would get enough water to matter absorbed into it through the cap seal.

 

[Smokinthehippies]

I've always just stored it in the original container in a basement. As long as you are not opening it often I wouldn't think you would get enough water to matter absorbed into it through the cap seal.

Same. Keep it sealed and let it sit. Obviously if it comes time to use and you notice it's funking then chuck it. But I've never had a problem. If you want take a piece of plastic wrap and cover the mouth before you put the lid on. Should make air tight deal

 

[ryoken]

yeah, I've never had an issue either.. tightly sealed back up has always been fine for me..

 

[Highpsi]

I've had a gallon container of brake fluid sitting around for literally 10 years. If I decide to use any of it, I always pour it into a jar for a visual inspection first but I've never had any issue at all.

Of course that amount of time sitting around is pretty ridiculous but I think if you use some saran wrap like one of the other guys suggested too, it should seal up pretty well.

 

[blazinzuk]

Some sort of plastic wrap on the lid to make sure it seals tight. When using them I never leave the lid off either. It always comes off and goes right back on.

 

[sweetk30]

brake fluid = chemical sponge for water it love's to collect it.

keep it sealed and dry area if possible.

every few years best to blead the vehicles shystem out. i like to use a cheep turkey baster to remove 95% from the master the refill with new and then blead the system .

years ago i redid my atv and was able to not open the system for the brakes. they were o.k. but i figured change the fluid out it was way over time due . when done with simple fluid swap out and no air to begin with i had 80% better grip feel over before with old fluid .

 

[dyeager535]

Could you SEE water in new brake fluid if it had absorbed it? Curious, I've got a big bottle of brake fluid on the shelf that I've had for years. Made way more $$ sense to buy it in a large quantity.

I always take a plastic bag and put it over the opening of a container before putting the cap back on if it's likely to leak if knocked over, or need to do a better job of keeping air out. Some of the newer bottles might seal better after reopening.

 

[76k5grrl]

Aha .... Can you see it????? A question I had as well. I assume "no".... ? Thought it was some chemical bond, but would be nice if it was oil and water lookin

 

[blazinzuk]

If it has only absorbed a small amount of water, no you cannot see it

Brake fluid is hygroscopic (sp?)

Definition is

Hygroscopy is the ability of a substance to attract and hold water moleculeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecule from the surrounding environment.

So it would be very difficult for you to see the water molecules

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

...If not storage, then is there something else I can use it for aside from my braking system?

Sure, dumping it on that chika's car


Only be able to see if enough water caused it to separate. Sealed in the original container or a new one, it wouldn't gather any more moisture. It'll be fine.

After yesterday, I'ma need a bunch, wanna drop some off, I'm only around 6 hours away