Refreshed Brake, Clutch & Power Steering Fluids, Interesting Phenomenon

Dwight Frye

My '09 370 has 35K miles on it and I decided that it might be a good preventive maintenance move to "refresh" the power steering fluid and brake & clutch fluids and drive it another year before I have the dealer do a complete flush and refill.
The procedure was to use a turkey baster to suck the fluid from the reservoirs, refill, drive for a week to mix the new fluid with whatever fluid was in the lines and the system, and then repeat. I figured after one repeat process that the fluid in all systems would be pretty fresh. The first thing I noticed was that the clutch fluid turned dark almost immediately when blended with the fluid in the lines. The brake fluid did not. After repeating the process, the next time the clutch fluid remained pretty clear so I was satisfied.
Here's the odd thing. I noticed no difference in the power steering and brake feel or performance and had not really expected any. However, I noticed almost immediately that the judder that I often had when releasing the clutch in 1st gear, not matter how smooth my technique was (and I have been driving manual transmissions since 1968 so it's second nature) seemed to be lessened a great deal. Placebo effect ? I don't think so. It's an easy procedure and fairly inexpensive if anyone else wants to try it. Opinions ?

Fountainhead

Hi Dwight,
I cycle my clutch fluid (remove and refresh from the reservoir) as soon as it turns color from clearish to amber. I haven't honestly noticed any difference but when I got my car the brake and clutch fluid was still clear, I bought a garage queen at 10K now at 16K.
I do see guys (other cars) with black clutch fluid, but they don't care. They don't have a concentric slave cylinder - (pull the entire tranny to replace a 100 dollar plastic part) clutch system!
I've also done the same method on my power steering fluid with no noticeable change. Also changed my differential oil, that was filthy no perceptible change after changing the oil there either.