This is not the same mineral oil discussion as it is for engine oil. The classic Mineral Oil v Sem-Synthetic v Full-Synthetic. It’s also not giving your brake system the daily minerals it needs to stay healthy. No, this is a case of two totally different molecular structures which behave like oil and water. They don’t mix, and one attacks the rubbers in your brake system faster than you dare drive your car…if you knew!
Mineral Oil
Written by Darren Caldwell
I think I have a problem!
Question:
I put mineral oil in my brakes and it should have been brake fluid….what should I do?
Answer:
You have a very big problem depending on how far the mineral oil has travelled in the system and how long it has been in there for.
The Fix
If a brake fluid system has been contaminated with mineral oil the only way to fix the issue is to strip the system and rebuild or replace all the components that have rubber parts. This includes master cylinders, ABS units, proportioning valves, calipers and brake hoses. Once the contaminated components are removed and before the replacement parts are fitted it is very important to flush the metal pipes with a product like brake cleaner and then blow them out with compressed air.
Question:
What About Brake Fluid in a Mineral Oil System?
Answer:
The situation is potentially not as dangerous but still a problem.
In Summary
Make sure you double check what fluid should be in your vehicle! Even if you walk into a parts store and ask for “brake fluid”, stop and double check what they have given you and does it match what the service book specifies. Missing this detail can be a very, very expensive, if not dangerous!
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