Who is Phoenix Systems?

Phoenix Systems is a research and design company specializing in brake related products designed with breakthrough technology. . Phoenix Systems holds dozens of US and Foreign patents and prides itself on bringing innovative problem solving technology to the automotive market.

Phoenix Systems specializes in brake fluid tools including the "award winning" Phoenix Injector® (branded as MAXPRO and V-12), a premium and economy model brake bleeder designed originally for the professional service industry, in addition to diagnostic tools like BrakeStrip that provides the first step of any brake service. To date, more than 28,000,000 BrakeStrips have been sold.

Does Brake Fluid Last Forever?

The answer is no. Just like engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid, brake fluid wears over time and loses its effectiveness to protect the brake system from corrosion.

• Corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid are depleted over time

• Thermal stability is decreased.

How do you know when brake fluid is bad?

There is only one way to know and that is by testing the brake fluid using BrakeStrip™ with FASCAR® technology. It is not possible to determine the condition of brake fluid based on its color. This is the most common reason "uninformed" technicians recommend a brake fluid exchange (flush). Time and mileage is also a poor indicator because many factors effect brake fluid condition that time and mileage alone cannot account for including the thermal cycles of the fluid. Vehicles that experience high thermal cycles are more at risk and will need to be checked more frequently. Moisture is not a good reason either. Though moisture is one determinant by effecting the boiling point of the fluid, it is not the primary cause of brake fluid failure.

What is BrakeStrip?

BrakeStrip is a small strip of plastic that has a specialized reaction zone at the end of the test strip. Once dipped in brake fluid, the end of the strip with the reaction zone will begin to react according to the level of copper in the fluid. It will change from white to purple in direct proportion to copper ions suspended in the fluid. Compare the strip to the FASCAR color scale and in as little as 60 seconds you have immediate, reliable proof of whether or not your brake fluid needs to be replaced according to the best standard in the industry – the Motorist Assurance Program recommended guidelines.

What happens if I don't flush my brake fluid?

Over time the corrosion inhibitors become depleted. When they are significantly depleted the following may happen:

• Integrity of hydraulic system is compromised and exposed to possible corrosion

• Rapid increase of particulate contamination in brake fluid

• Metal oxidation catalysts speed and contribute to brake system corrosion

• Particulate contamination can cause damage to seals

• Copper has also proven to cause ABS valves not to seal properly to cause ABS valves not to seal properly

In addition to the depletion of the corrosion inhibitor depletion, copper levels significantly rise, which may cause severe problems in ABS systems.

What is the big deal about copper?

Government research has confirmed that copper can form deposits around the sealing surfaces of ABS valves, which means your car may take longer to stop in a panic situation. Because copper is a precursor to corrosion, research confirms that at certain levels, copper in the brake fluid is the best indicator that the fluid's corrosion inhibitors are losing their punch and major corrosion is just around the corner. Copper provides a verifiable means of determining brake fluid condition.

Copper is often frequently used in the brake lines of a brake system. With oxidation, this is the primary source for copper in the brake fluid.

Is there a brake fluid service standard?

For the first time in the history of the U.S.A., the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) has established a standard for brake fluid replacement. This is the industry standard for brake fluid replacement. MAP requires brake fluid replacement at 200 ppm of copper.

What service centers are using BrakeStrip?

There are many large service centers using BrakeStrip, aka StripDip, such as: Firestone, Midas, Meineke, Sears, Mr. Tire, Tires Plus, Tire Kingdom, Big O, Brake Masters, Lithia Automotive Group (Third largest automotive group in the country), Pep Boys, and hundreds of independent service facilities.

As an interesting side note, it has been reported that FASCAR technology is also being used by state regulators and "sting operations" to make sure brake flush services are being properly performed.

Can I use BrakeStrip to test my own brake fluid?

Absolutely. Remember though that to be able to test your own brake fluid you must be able to find the master cylinder. In today's cars sometimes this is more difficult than you would think. The master cylinder cap should be identified with the writing "DOT 3 Brake fluid only" or "DOT 4 Brake fluid only." You can also request a test from your local service facility.

What do I do if my shop tries to sell me a brake flush based on color, moisture, time, or mileage?

Realize that most automotive service facilities are honest and trying to do the right thing for you and your vehicle. In most cases, unnecessary brake fluid replacement recommendations are based on color, time/mileage, moisture or boiling point, and that no one is intentionally trying to deceive you. It is more likely they are not aware of the new MAP standard or FASCAR technology. This is still new technology and there is a long education process.

Color - If your shop recommends brake fluid replacement based on color, it is likely that he is just following "tradition". It has been determined by brake fluid manufacturers and experts that you cannot tell brake fluid condition by color. There is no science or standard to justify brake fluid replacement based on color or it "looks dirty". One common tactic is to show a sample of new fluid compared to a sample of your fluid. Again there is no basis or foundation that the "color" means the fluid should be replaced. Please be patient, the shop is not likely trying to intentionally deceive you, they may not be informed on this new technology. The only justifiable reason to suggest replacement based on color is if the standard brake fluid has been replaced with the wrong fluid and the fluid is red or purple in color.

Moisture - A recommendation based on moisture also falls into the same category as color. It has been a tradition. If the shop uses a boiling point tester and tells you that your brake fluid has a low boiling point, realize there is no standard for "used" brake fluid boiling point. If you trust your shop, then it may be a good idea to go ahead with the service. If you don't trust them, get a second opinion.

Time/Mileage - If your vehicle has O.E. (BMW, Mercedes...) brake fluid recommended maintenance based on time/mileage, your technician is following the MAP guideline. Many shops still use BrakeStrip because it will help clarify service within maintenance parameters.

I failed a BrakeStrip test soon after I had my brake fluid replaced?

Occasionally we hear this statement, "They told me something must be wrong with the strip because they just changed my brake fluid". BrakeStrips never gives a false reading. It tests for copper so there is no way to "fake" the test.

The answer is very simple. There is still copper in the brake fluid. The problem is the type of brake flush that was performed. If they use vacuum, gravity or pedal flushing, they probably won't be able to properly flush the contamination out of the brake system.

Another indicator is what you paid for the service. Expect to pay between $70 and $125 for proper brake flush service. If you were charged $19-39 for a brake flush, there is no way they can perform a proper service for that much money. They could however be performing  an inexpensive service as part of a promotion or combined with other services. Proper brake flush requires special training, proper equipment (SCAN tool, pressure flush equipment etc.) and requires using at least 2 quarts of brake fluid.

BrakeStrip (aka StripDip)™

• THIS IS NOT A MOISTURE TEST!
• Simple, visual test
• Measures copper (an oxidation catalysts) in brake fluid. Copper is a known precursor to active corrosion and a corrosion accelerator. 
• Accurate and repeatable test
• Shows the virtual age of brake fluid
• Test results last over 30 days
• Easy to read results

What Factors Affect Brake Fluid Condition?

• The age of brake fluid
• Level of corrosion inhibitors
• Thermal oxidation
• Level of metal oxidation catalysts
• Environment and type of driving
Note: If the corrosion inhibitors are in good condition, even high amounts of moisture (5%) will not cause corrosion. Most people believe that it is moisture that causes the corrosion. It is the lack of corrosion inhibitors that allow corrosion in the system. A very small amount (1%) of moisture can increase corrosion when the inhibitor package has been depleted.

What Happens To Brake Fluid Over Time ?

• Corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid are depleted
• Boiling point of brake fluid is reduced
• Thermal stability is decreased.

What Causes Depletion of Corrosion Inhibitors?

• Time- Studies show that by 36 months some brake fluids have lost 91% of their corrosion inhibitors. It depends on many conditions. Some vehicles experience severe depletion within 12-18 months, while others last 48 months or longer. The only way to know is to measure copper at regular intervals
• Increased thermal cycles
• Thermal oxidation
• Volatilization (vaporization)
• Type of driving and environment

What Happens When Corrosion inhibitors in Brake Fluid are Significantly Depleted?

• Integrity of hydraulic system is compromised and exposed to possible corrosion
• Rapid increase of particulate contamination in brake fluid
• Metal oxidation catalysts increase that impair the oxidation properties of the brake fluid
• Particulate contamination can cause damage to seals
• Particulate contamination has also proven to cause ABS valves not to seal properly

Note 1: This is very important-Corrosion inhibitors are designed to treat and protect the surfaces it comes in contact. So, as corrosion inhibitors are depleted the surfaces may still have some protection. There is a significant problem when a new hydraulic part is installed, a caliper for example. The other hydraulic parts have some protection from their exposure to the corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid, but the new caliper is unprotected. Since the corrosion inhibitors are now depleted the new part has no corrosion protection and can corrode very quickly. A thorough brake system flush is recommended to protect the new parts.

Note 2: Corrosion in the brake system has been seen in vehicles after several years of operation where the brake fluid passed the J1703 standard. Some feel that J1703 cannot predict the affects of the long-term durability of the corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid.

What is the position of most vehicle manufacturers on flushing brake fluid?

• 65-70% of world's vehicle manufacturers recommend brake fluid flushing, 12-24 months
• GM, Ford and Chrysler have no recommended service interval
• GM, Ford and Chrysler do not oppose brake fluid flush performed by a competent technician that can follow procedure
• GM recommends flushing the brake fluid if the system is contaminated. They also added that they will not define "contamination".

What does ASE say about brake flushing?

Advertising Supplement taken from USA Today April 17,2002 - ASE's Guide to Auto Maintenance

Protect Your Auto Investment

Probably the most ignored fluid in your car, and the most important, is brake fluid. Sludge will build up over a period of time and may block the valves inside the anti-lock brake (ABS) units and result in costly repairs or replacement. IN addition, this sludge may cause the calipers and wheel cylinders to leak, also resulting in repairs or replacement. SO the best thing you can do is to have the brake fluid flushed and refilled periodically, although the manufacturer recommendations vary as to how often.

What is the US D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) position ?

DOT Report Participants

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
• George Person, Safety Defects Engineer (202)-366-5210

Testing Performed By:

• National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST)-formerly the National Bureau of Standards)
• Ohio State University

Recent government research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed that copper can form deposits around the sealing surfaces of ABS valves, which means your car may take longer to stop in a panic situation.

Information taken from the Technical Information Services Library

"It should be noted, however that the NIST study does show that internal corrosion does take place in the brake system over time. A prudent recommended practice to combat this situation would be to periodically exchange the brake fluid by completely bleeding the brake system and replacing the old fluid with fresh fluid that meets current OE (Original Equipment) specifications."

What about the California BAR (California Bureau of Automotive Repair)?

The BAR's concern is what is in the best interest of the vehicle owner.

They don't have a problem with suggesting a brake fluid flush, but do have a problem if the flush is not performed, or performed improperly. There is a growing concern over recommendations for service that was not needed. BrakeStrip is the risk-free way to recommend a brake fluid exchange.  Scare tactics are not to be used.

What do the new MAP (Motorist Assurance Program) guidelines mean?

Simply, that that brake fluid replacement is required when copper levels reaches 200 ppm or greater.

What does the industry say about BrakeStrip?

Dave Abbot, Wagner Brakes:

"Pleased with the lab tests. Shelf life is three years and humidity won't contaminate the strips".

Wally Marciniac, Raybestos:

Test it! Don't Guess!

There are many factors that effect brake fluid. The only way to really know the condition of brake fluid is to test it with BrakeStrip. That's why many car dealers that service vehicles have recommended maintenance for brake fluid, like BMW, still use BrakeStrip.

• Gives the customer confidence
• Wise preventive maintenance
• Increase brake fluid flush sales
• Use BrakeStrip on every inspection
• Get BrakeStrip into the tech's hands
• Attach BrakeStrip™ to repair order

What is the FASCAR system?

Test it, Prove it, Do it!

1. Promote brake fluid testing service
2. Test with BrakeStrip
3. Show the customer the test results and give them the BrakeStrip test strip and color chart. Let them compare the color of the test to the color chart.
4. Explain that you are following the MAP guideline for brake fluid service.
5. Perform a quality service with quality equipment
6. Make great profit while earning trust and confidence

I have a pressure (or a vacuum) bleeder, why do I need a Phoenix Injector®, too?

You might want to keep what you have as a hydraulic system flusher. However, the Phoenix Injector® will do BOTH pressure and vacuum bleeding and flushing, bench bleeding and RFI®. No other bleeder offers technicians so many options and no technician should be without the RFI™ problem solving advantage.

Which tool should I buy?

Each Phoenix Injector™ performs the same functions, however each tool carries unique characteristics.

Professional

The MaxPro is our heavy-duty professional model. It is made of metal and costs about $357. If you have a shop with with 3 or more users, you definitely want to purchase the MaxPro-205.

If you have a small shop with 1-2 users the V-12 will also work for you. It is made of zytel which is a high strength brake fluid compatible glass reinforced nylon. The V-12-205 costs about $148.50 and is designed for medium-duty use.

If you are going to be using the tool daily, you may want to consider the pneumatic Power-Ject™. This tool eliminates hand fatigue because it is powered by shop air. Simply push the button and the Power-Ject™ does all the work.

DIY Home User

The V-12 is well suited for the DIY user. It has the same accessories as the MaxPro, but the zytel design reduces the cost. If you are on a tight budget and believe you may only use the tool a couple of times then the V-12-DIY may be right for you. It is an economy package with the bare necessities to bleed most any vehicle.

Is the Phoenix Injector® like the Vacuum style hand pumps?

NO! Handheld vacuum air pumps are air pumps that have been modified for awkward vacuum bleeding. The Phoenix Injector™ is a air and fluid pump that has pressure AND vacuum capabilities. No other bleeder in the world can do all methods of bleeding and flushing. Remember with a hand held vacuum pump you mity not get all the air out.

Will the RFI® technique cause contamination or damage to my ABS system?

NO! When operated properly, with slow easy strokes, the Phoenix Injector® will produce less than 10 PSI throughout the brake system. This is an action/pressure cycle similar to removing one’s foot from the brake pedal. Under these circumstances the ABS system will not be compromised.

NOTE: RFI® is a bleeding technique, not a flushing technique. Bleeding is an attempt to get any trapped air out of the brake system, while flushing is changing old brake fluid to new brake fluid. Refrain from using terms such as "reverse flushing" or "back flushing". These methods are not, and never have been, recommended techniques. Phoenix Systems strictly recommends thoroughly flushing contaminated systems of all old fluid before performing RFI® bleeding on brake and ABS systems.

What You Can Do With A Phoenix Injector®

• Bleed clutches and brakes, including ABS in minutes.
• Flush hydraulic systems using pressure or vacuum flush.
• Bench bleed any master or slave cylinder including quick-take-up masters in under 3 minutes.
• Perform RFI®, Pulse Generation™, Pressure & Vacuum techniques for bleeding or flush.
• Bleed & flush motorcycle brakes, clutches and fill fork tubes.
• Meter and inject liquids and gases.
• *Flush electronic and CIS injectors.
• *Leak test hydraulic components, like automatic transmissions.
• Test pressure and vacuum sensors.
• *Bleed and Flush power steering systems, like DELCO.
• *Power flush carburetor circuits. Test and diagnose emission control systems.

* Petroleum fluids require special seals

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Phoenix Injector®

1. Never again have problems bleeding clutches or brakes even ABS and Ford Ranger clutches.
2. One Man Operation.
3. No compressed air or electricity*
4. Uses all known bleeding and flushing methods including: RFI™, Pressure and Vacuum.
5. Fast and efficient. Bleed difficult systems in as little as 10 minutes.
6. Bench bleed any master or slave cylinder in minutes.
7. Test and diagnose brake systems.
8. Bleed and flush motorcycle brakes and fill fork tubes.
9. Power flush carburetor circuits.
10. 4 models to choose from.