Power steering/brake fluid flush: how often?

[Fausto]

So the Explorer ('00 XLT) is in the shop for a dead IAC. They've finished up on that, but the guy informs me the PS fluid has "failed the dipstick test" and is "saturated" and needs to be flushed. Same for the brakes. Both were just done at 60k (car currently has 75k on it). Being a relative automotive n00b (and not having a service schedule in front of me) I have no idea if these really need to be done or the dealer's just trying to empty my wallet. Can anyone enlighten me?

Thanks.

 

[Tarron]

Well....that all depends on

did they do it or do a good flush at 60,000 miles, was your covers loose or missing during the 15K, etc. After 15 K it won't look new but it should not be real discolored or cloudy. My garage always takes a sample (brake fluid, ATF, power steering fluid) and puts it on a white piece of plastic that has what it should look like next to it. Take a look for yourself and see how bad it is and then make a decision. It doesn't matter how many miles it should go between changes if it's worn out it needs to be replaced. Unless you like doing it yourself parts are expensive and labor even more so, you can pay them now or pay them later. If you have it done make sure you check so you can see what "new" looks like and to make sure they did what you paid them to do.