How frequent do you need to change....
 

the brake fluid on a 2001 Boxster base? I have not checked the service schedule requirements but there seems to be more of a focus on more frequent changing of this fluid than other cars. If it does not get changed as much what happens to the internal workings? Corrosion etc? Our 2002 Camry still has the original brake fluid in it and does not seem to suffer!

I don't know 100% on the base, but on my 03 S, the brakes need to be flushed every two years, regardless of milage.

According to Porsche
http://www.porsche.com/usa/accessoriesandservices/porscheservice/maintenanceintervals/

it does say to change every two years

Its because the Dot 4 fluid is very Hydrophillic. Absorbed moisture breaks down the fluid reduces stopping pressure increases the possibility of high temperature creating vapor in the caliper. The reservoir has a breather so its prone to humidity. Unless you live in the desert I'd change and flush it every 2 years.

Every 2 years or more frequently if you track.

No clue how people don't change their coolant/brake fluids/tranny fluid/engine oil.

Thanks all for the replies. Assuming everything okay with the brakes how long does it take for the diy guy to do the job so then I would know how much the indy shop would charge?

Flat rate for this (from Mitchell OnDemand) is 0.8 hrs. It usually takes me about 1.25 hrs because I also do the clutch. I use a Motive bleeder and it's paid for itself with all the brake flushes I've done (4 on my wife's MB E320, 3 on my Box, 1 on our Subie Forester)

Regards,
paul...

The motive bleeder really makes it easy. I do all mine every 2 years and they usually have enough moisture that it is worth it to do. I alternate fluid colors every other year which makes it easy to tell when the old is all out.

+1 for the power bleeder. As close to fun as auto repairs get.

I've never kept up with brake flushing in the past but I have had multiple siezed calipers, which probably could have been prevented.

I did mine in under 30 minutes @ ~5min per wheel.

Here is the video. brake flush - YouTube

There are 2 nipples to bleed but the video only showed me doing 1 I think.

You want to alternate between the gold and blue brake fluids on alternate changes so you can see in the tube when the new colored fluid starts and then let it flow for a couple seconds longer for good measure.

I also bought a pressure bleeder and it paid for itself immediately.

I cringe to imagine what a shop would charge, when you could train a monkey to do this very easy DIY task.