Dark Grey Hydraulic Fluid

[jackdog1]

So, I just changed the clutch fluid in my parents' 'o4 LX, and the fluid I removed was dark grey. I replaced it with synthetic DOT3/4, but I was wondering what that color might mean about the state of the lines and cylinders. I've never seen dark grey brake fluid before.

 

[jdm19civic96]

Possible metal shavings in fluid

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[jackdog1]

Possible metal shavings in fluid

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I didn't see any shavings, the fluid is just an opaque grey. Before I changed it I lowered a powerful magnet into the reservoir and it came back clean, so I don't think that's it.

 

[HeX]

Perhaps at some point the reservoir cap was left open or loose and dirt crept in. If it was more brownish then its a sign that it was way overdue for a flush.

 

[jackdog1]

Perhaps at some point the reservoir cap was left open or loose and dirt crept in. If it was more brownish then its a sign that it was way overdue for a flush.

Possibly. The fluid didn't even look brown at all, just gray. My parents said it definitely felt stiffer after I changed the fluid. I'll post a picture of the fluid later.

 

[jdm19civic96]

In my opinion change transmission fluid with the oil just to be safe fluid always cheaper then a rebuild

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[jackdog1]

In my opinion change transmission fluid with the oil just to be safe fluid always cheaper then a rebuild

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Uh, this is a manual transmission. I'm talking about hydraulic clutch fluid, not transmission fluid.