Rep Power: 294

Coming up on 20K miles on the 02 Civic and I would like to replace the brake fluid (looking a little dirty). While I was at it, i figured I would replace the lines with steel braided ones.

Any suggestion on the best overall fluid (mainly for street). Looking for cost, temp and moisture ratings. Where to purchase?

Also, where to find good deals on steel braid (goodridge, neuspeed, russell, etc.).

BTW I am still running oem stoppers all around, just wanna improve feel and keep things clean.

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 380

For fluids, for the street, I'd say use ATE Super Blue, or its brother ATE Type 200 (its the same fluid just 2 different colors) It has a high dry boiling point as well as a good wet Boiling point, and it absorbs water slowly. SO you wont have to replace it very often. (And its BMW's Standard Fluid) A 1L Can costs about $14, and you should only need one can (Get 2 just in case and for bleeding the lines later)

 
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Brake fluid health is usually not determined by how dirty or clean it looks, rather by how much moisture content has absorbed through the brake lines into the fluid.

 
Rep Power: 294

Thanks for both the advice and correction.

I guess I should of said "cloudy" or "milky". Would this indicate some moisture content?

 
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I think the manual indicates a brake fluid itnerval of 36,000 miles. I used castrol LMA fluid because I was looking for good performance with good longevity, I don't want to have to worry about moisture in the lines during these warm central PA winters

 
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what? you didnt want to spring for Castrol SRF???
at $70 a Liter Who can afford it.....

 
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Steel Braided Brake Line Recommendations, anyone?

 
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I know goodridge makes stainless steel lines for our cars, they cost around $100 bucks for the set, not sure exactly what is involved in the install, otherwise I would have already bought them. I guess if you end up getting them, post a write up about them. I am not sure If they would do all that much for our brakes...

 
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i make stainless steel braided brake line kits for your car. let me know if your interested, i will give you a awesome deal. Pm me to discuss the details. i gurantee you'll love the quality, performance and looks over the competitors lines.
thanks,
Glen

 
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Is replacing the brake lines a tough DIY? I've never done it before, but if we're suppose to change fluids at 36,000 like Intruder said, I would concider doing this all at once.

Anyone else have opinions/comments about switching to steel braided brake lines and what that will feel/act like on our car. I don't race, but I drive aggressively.

 
Rep Power: 308

The owner's manual says to change the brake fluid every 2 years, regaurdless of miles, this is due to the fact of absorbing mosture content as stated before.

Gesh, I really can't see the point in swapping out for Steel Braided Brake lines. If you do it, take pictures and please post up though, I'd be interested to see it. But the $100 you spend on the lines is not going to pay off, versus the small benefit of not changing it quite as often. If you were going to go rally with your civic, I'd say go for it, but I think it'll be a waste of time.

Which reminds me I have 55,000 miles on my 02 HX and need to drain my fluid. Of which I'm just going to get the Honda Stuff...

 
Rep Power: 296

replacing the brake line is very easy, just remove and install

i got my custom from a motorcycle shop, they are all the same. 3 ss brake line makers in the states. they were for $70, not bad for custom.

 
Rep Power: 294

Hey thanks for all the helpful inputs. I've been gone for a while.

I'll definately post some pics on the finished product.

Rear disc swap w/ steel braid all around.

 
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Steel braided lines make your brakes more responsive. Because the line dose not expand as much durring brakeing.