2014 Ram 1500

[Hoboplayer]

I am not a mechanic, so I need some advice.Today I set an appointment with my Dodge dealer and he recommended I have my power steering and brake fluid changed. The truck has 24,000 miles on it. I have never had a dealer recommend this before. Does this sound reasonable?

[jcl]

Brake fluid doesn't wear out with miles, but rather time. It attracts water, which then sits in the lowest part of the system, eg the calipers, and corrosion results. Also, moisture in the system can reduce braking performance. Many manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid at 24 months, or 36 months. It would be reasonable to have it changed now. I do my vehicles at 24 months but sometimes it ends up being 30 months.

I am not a fan of changing the PS fluid on a schedule, it is a make-work job IMO.

[crispyboy]

For certain the brake fluid should be changed on a regular basis. I do this every two or three years to keep moisture out of the system. Helps keep the brake lines from corroding from the inside out and keep the brake fluid fresh so it doesn't boil during heavy brake use.
Power Steering - I usually flush this sometime after 50k miles. Is there anything specific in the owners manual for the service interval?

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by Hoboplayer

I am not a mechanic, so I need some advice.Today I set an appointment with my Dodge dealer and he recommended I have my power steering and brake fluid changed. The truck has 24,000 miles on it. I have never had a dealer recommend this before. Does this sound reasonable?

Just curious what the owners manual states in this regard?

[Hans627]

FWIW the owners manual of my 2013 RAM 1500 does not recommend any change of the brake fluid, or power steering fluid. I would suppose that there is no harm from doing so but it seems as though there is little benefit as well.

I don't remember ever changing the brake fluid or power steering fluid in any vehicle, truck or otherwise, that I have owned. Again, FWIW!

[Bill M.]

If I needed the money for something else I would pass.

But if money is not tight and I liked the truck I might go ahead and get both done. If I was going to pick one it would be the brakes. But the heavier Dodge trucks like mine have a history of power steering pump problems so maybe the dealer knows something I do not.

Sure, the dealer is looking for some extra income. But sure, changing the fluids can make a difference especially if there is moisture in the brake system.