Brake fluid check

[notsofast]

Is there a way to check if brake fluid has been changed?  I've just paid for a 2-yr service on my K9, which should include a change of brake fluid, though I'm wondering if that hasn't been done - the garage invoice doesn't itemise a price for new brake fluid (though everything else is itemised), and the vehicle health check report states that the water content of the brake fluid is "OK" (I'm thinking why would they have measured that if they've changed it?).

[oilyrag]

The nipple rubber covers should have no dust on them and the nipples will be wet inside if they have received any attention from the garage. 
If all is dry and dusty then job probably not done - the overall water content in the fluid isn't that great a measure as most water & rust will appear at the pistons, not the fluid reservoir.

[notsofast]

Thanks. I've not yet familiarised myself with braking systems at all, so what do these nipples look like (and where are they?).

[cancunia]

Thanks. I've not yet familiarised myself with braking systems at all, so what do these nipples look like (and where are they?).

They will be the brake bleed nipples on each of the brake calipers, near to the brake pads. You may be able to see them at the front by turning the wheels on full lock. They look a bit like the dust caps on wheel valves but are smaller & smoother. In order to flush the fluid out, you need to remove the bleed nipples & open the bleed valve with a spanner.
Maybe they just checked the brake fluid water content from the filler cap, I think that's supposed to be done at the MOT these days too.

[oilyrag]

   

[notsofast]

I've not yet had time to move the vehicle and look under to check the nipples, though I phoned the garage this morning and they said that the brake fluid isn't on the invoice because it's included under the general service description at the top of the invoice, which sounds reasonable except all the other consumables (pollen filter, oil + filter etc.) are also itemised separately, as well as being listed under the general service description. I will definitely check the nipples once I get a chance to park up with full lock on.

[notsofast]

I parked the van on full lock on the way home last night and had a look at the front wheels.  Could only really see the nearside one - guess I could lock the wheels the other way to see the offside one.  Anyway, found a metal nipple but not a rubber cap - is this it?  Sorry the pics aren't the best quality - was a bit difficult to get one good shot of the area as I had to point the camera from inside the wheel arch and it had difficulty focusing that close (and I couldn't see where it was pointing).

           

[Teep]

I parked the van on full lock on the way home last night and had a look at the front wheels.  Could only really see the nearside one - guess I could lock the wheels the other way to see the offside one.  Anyway, found a metal nipple but not a rubber cap - is this it?  Sorry the pics aren't the best quality - was a bit difficult to get one good shot of the area as I had to point the camera from inside the wheel arch and it had difficulty focusing that close (and I couldn't see where it was pointing).

 

Yes, that's it and it should have a rubber cap.

[Sol]

Wow, the caps are missing, I'd get new ones on there asap before any corrosion sets in and to keep dirt out mate. They have obviously not replaced the covers.

You may get some funny results searching for "nipple covers" however LOL - remember to put "brake" in front...

[oilyrag]

Good advice Zion - I ended up with the ones with tassels but the Mot man didn't mind as he normally leads a sheltered life. Well, the rubber cap has been taken - new ones don't fall off - and everything is bone dry, with no sign of hydraulic fluid anywhere. Poke the wooden end of a matchstick in the hole - if it comes out dry then the nipple hasn't been opened.
Also, at the junction where the thread of the nipple meets the caliper - no sign it has been moved!!