Acura CL Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(116)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(116)

Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection Service

How much does a Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Acura CL Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1998 Acura CLL4-2.3LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
1997 Acura CLV6-3.0LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2002 Acura CLV6-3.2LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
1999 Acura CLV6-3.0LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.48 - $125.60
2001 Acura CLV6-3.2LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.55 - $125.72
1997 Acura CLL4-2.2LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
1999 Acura CLL4-2.3LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$117.28 - $130.25
2003 Acura CLV6-3.2LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$117.94 - $131.39
Show example Acura CL Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection prices

Your car requires several different fluids in order to operate. Engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and coolant are all essential. Another important one is brake fluid. Like other fluids, your brake fluid will deteriorate over time and eventually need to be replaced with a brake system flush. If you’ve noticed that your brake fluid appears black or brown, it’s well past time for a service.

How this system works:

Your brakes are operated by fluid pressure. The master cylinder and brake booster work to create pressure, which is then directed to the moving parts of the system (the calipers and shoe actuators). In a normal system, the brake fluid is clear or very light gold in color. This is true whether your car requires DOT 3, 4 or 5 brake fluid.

Brake fluid is held in the master cylinder reservoir, but it is also stored in the brake lines that run from the master cylinder to each wheel. You have two types of brake lines – steel and rubber. Over time and through normal use, brake fluid becomes contaminated. This happens on all vehicles, even brand new ones.

It requires only a couple of years for the fluid to build up enough contaminants that the color begins to change. It will darken over time, changing from clear/golden to a darker gold. In severe situations, your brake fluid may appear to be brown, or even black (think used engine oil).

It’s important that your brake fluid is changed regularly, before it turns brown or black. Very dark colors indicate that your fluid has collected a significant amount of contamination, and might have absorbed moisture, as well. This reduces the system’s ability to build pressure, which compromises your braking performance. You may have noticed that your brake pedal feels softer, or spongy. In serious situations, you may have to pump the pedal a couple of times for it to work properly.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Normal Aging Gone to the Extreme: The most common reason that brake fluid appears brown or black is that normal aging has gone unchecked (you haven’t had the fluid changed in too long). Contaminants collect in the fluid, darkening the color and reducing its ability to work.

  • Moisture Contamination: Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the surrounding air. This generally occurs by rubber brake lines allowing moisture to seep in. When moisture accumulates in brake fluid, it causes problems in a couple of ways. Water has a much lower boiling point than brake fluid, and can reach very high temperatures at the calipers and drums. This causes the water to flash boil into steam, causing the brake fluid to darken, but also creating air in the lines. This can cause a soft pedal, or even cause you to have to pump the brake pedal to get the system to work properly.

  • Deteriorating Rubber Lines: The rubber brake lines on your car will eventually deteriorate and need to be replaced. Brake fluid is also corrosive, and while the lines are designed to withstand that corrosion, they’ll eventually begin to break down. Microscopic pieces of rubber and chemicals leaching out of the lines into the fluid will also cause it to darken.

  • Normal Heating: Brake fluid is heated by contact with the calipers, and this heat creates a chemical change in the fluid, adding to the darkening created by moisture and other types of contamination.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office and visually inspect your brake fluid’s condition, the master cylinder and the rest of the system to determine if the problem is simply due to normal age and wear/tear. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect the master cylinder, lines and other brake system components. The mechanic will also determine how long it has been since your brake fluid was last changed, and may need to perform a brake fluid flush to remove the contaminated, old fluid and replace it with fresh, clean fluid.

How important is this service?

Brake fluid darkens as it ages – it’s natural, and due to normal contamination that occurs in all brake systems. However, it must be changed regularly, or you risk reduced braking performance and the deterioration or damage of other brake system components. One of our professional mechanics can inspect your system, change your fluid, and ensure that you enjoy the safety you deserve on the road.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Acura mechanics

Real customer reviews from Acura owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(116)

Rating Summary
106
5
2
0
3
106
5
2
0
3

Chip

34 years of experience
22 reviews
Chip
34 years of experience
Acura CL V6-3.2L - Engine Control Module (ECM) - Loxahatchee, Florida
I was absolutely "beyond happy" at the professionalism and technical competence of this seasoned mechanic. He knows exactly what he is doing & explains things clearly and concisely. I would highly recommend Chip to family, friends, colleagues and anyone who wants to get their car fixed right the first time. He is truly an asset to "Your Mechanic". I am so happy to have my wheels back, as I was borrowing my dad's vehicle until I got it fixed. I will be requesting Chip again for his expertise on 2 other vehicles I own. I have no doubt he will shine again.

Jerome

24 years of experience
415 reviews
Jerome
24 years of experience
Acura CL V6-3.2L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Windsor Mill, Maryland
Jerome was everything thing that I was hoping for....honest, informative, professional and a wealth of knowledge. He performed a thorough pre purchase inspection and advised accordingly. Great job Sir!

Kevin

33 years of experience
234 reviews
Kevin
33 years of experience
Acura CL L4-2.2L - Clean EGR Valve - Gardena, California
Kevin was amazing, it was my first time using the yourmechanic site and he was more then helpful. I will definitely recommend him to anyone in need of any help with their car. thanks Kevin

Russell

27 years of experience
271 reviews
Russell
27 years of experience
Acura CL V6-3.2L - Alternator Repair - San Ramon, California
I had the pleasure of meeting this amazing mechanic named Russell. This gentleman showed up early with power tools and completed the service in less than an hour. Everything was handled professionally and conveniently mobile. Great service!

Excellent Rating

(116)

Rating Summary
106
5
2
0
3
106
5
2
0
3
Number of Acura CL services completed
1276+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Acura MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Whether Whether you have plans to go off-road or just want a vehicle that’s nice and roomy, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is definitely worth a closer look. Key Features As a dual-purpose vehicle, Nissan made the 2012 Pathfinder with three-rows...
How Long Does a Brake Hose Last?
Vehicle Vehicle braking systems need brake fluid in order to function properly. There are a number of components on your car that help to supply the brake fluid needed when trying to bring a car to a top. The brake...
The Top 10 Car Failures in Top Gear History
Top Gear Season 23 premieres on Monday, May 30 at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET on BBC America. As we come into this new season, there are a few things to celebrate. We usher in a slightly controversial...

Clicking sound when turning over.

Hi There, It sounds like you may have a faulty starter solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement) or starter relay. If you hear a clicking sound when turning the key, it is likely that your starter solenoid may be faulty. The starter solenoid is...

Burning oil from engine and breathing the fumes within the vehicle

Hi Larry. Thanks for writing in to YourMechanic.com. Anytime you smell oil inside the cab of your vehicle it is a potential safety issue which should be addressed sooner rather than later. In some cases, the smell of oil is...

Why does my oil light comes on when i break. My oil level is full.

Claimed by Kevin Gainer

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com