am_ver

I just found out that Sears auto does the brake fluid flush for $35. I just replaced the front and rear brake pads, and my 2 year brake fluid needs to be replaced May '10. Since it is only $35, I am tempted to do this flush now instead of waiting for May ($35 seems really reasonable to me). Does anyone know if it is ok for Sears to do this (as opposed to the dealer)? ok to use Sears brake fluid as opposed to Audi OEM?

mystrodo

As long as it's Dot 4 fluid your ok..I see no reason sears can't do a simple flush but there is a procedure, find out exactly what they do to do a full brake flush.

KevinGary

The fluid costs $17.95 at Blauparts, how can Sears make any money using the correct fluid and selling the entire service at $35?

jefman

Discounters think that way, lower prices and drive out the little guys. Increase market share then raise prices back up. Classic example, Duane Reade.

A6Gary

Unless they have access to a Bentley Repair Manual or have been trained as a VW/Audi mechanic, I would doubt that Sears could do the job correctly for $35. The brake flush service requires a pressure brake bleeder plus know the recommended amount of fluid to bleed from each wheel cylinder (200 ml). Why don't you buy your own pressure bleeder for ~$35 and do the service yourself every two years?

killerwatts

Under no circumstance should you take your Audi to Sears. I have a horror story out of this world about an incident with my Audi that occurred in 2007. I called them in advance and asked them if they could do the service (driver side front upper control arm a pretty simple job) and they said yes. I took vehicle in and they had no clue how to do it and had a mechanic who had no idea of what he was doing trying to do it. I saw them hitting car with mini sledge hammer trying to remove arm. Voiced my opinion about the matter! They refused to give me phone number to corporate, refused to release my vehicle and the manager got physical with me and I was forced to defend myself (me 5'5" 145 him 5'10" 225). He had a broken nose and I was charged with aggravated battery. I forgot to mention he had history of physical altercation with another customer that was withheld and all the video footage from security cameras was destroyed (multi camera system). Take it to another reputable foreign car specialist. That incomplete upper control arm job at Sears has cost me over $20,000 in legal fees and I am still battling this matter trying to clear my name as the prosecution spun a story of me conspiring to walk in off the street demand to get my car fixed and being upset beat manager up which was total BS.

mystrodo

Well you learn something everyday..brake fluid is not that expensive and every shop I know uses a simple power flusher which replaces old with new so unless your dealing with morons..which could be the case, I don't see this process as being overly *euro complicated. As far as using expensive fluids. Audi shops buy fluids in bulk in my region the NW and they use BP fluids and oils---Castrol IOW's.
A6Gary has the right suggestion especially for am_ver whose a DIYer..but you do need to get the car off the ground and sometimes that's a PITA.

The G Man

Do you change your oil at Jiffy Lube? If so , then Sears is ok

KevinGary

Very funny.

am_ver

wow... hardly something you'd expect from a big brand name like Sears. Which city was this at?