adding brake fluid
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From: Steve on 1 Mar 2010 11:23 techman41973 wrote: > Regarding brake fluid. I've heard one philosophy - when you see your > brake fluid below 2/3 of the FULL line, you should fill it back to the > full line. But I've heard others say you should never add brake fluid > as the level gradually and naturally decreases as the pads wear and > adding fluid will prevent the dashboard sensor from triggering when > your pads become too low. > Which is the best way to deal with brake fluid? > > > The dashboard sensor should NEVER be used to gauge when pads need to be replaced. Keep the fluid topped off.
From: cuhulin on 1 Mar 2010 15:04 Keep the brake fluid filled to the full line.If it gets too low, air will get into the lines.Not good at all for the brakes. cuhulin.
From: Ad absurdum per aspera on 8 Mar 2010 14:26
[You = "original poster"] > The dashboard sensor should NEVER be used to gauge when pads need to be > replaced. Keep the fluid topped off. AFAIK, the best wear indicator is periodic visual inspection. The second best one is the audible wear indicators built into the pad. The dashboard light indicates that the hot smelly puffs of air at the back of your neck might be the breath of something that will eat you unless you take action very soon. You don't really *need* to top off brake fluid as long as the reservoir level is between the minimum and maximum lines. (Remember, the translucent plastic jug is a reserve; the actual working fluid is in the metal master-cylinder assembly underneath. The idea is to keep the intakes in the master cylinder submerged at all times, so as not to suck in air.) It is normal for the level to go down a little as the pads and shoes wear, and the calipers or wheel cylinders have to push the pistons out further and further. But that's a long term thing. What you're watching for in your (hopefully!) monthly or better nosing around under the hood is a significant drop in the level. In that case you must go looking for leaks (most likely: at the wheels), because it's supposed to be a closed system. If you notice that something suddenly feels weird about the brakes, that too should send you (or your mechanic) on a search mission promptly. When you get the vehicle back from a brake job, the reservoir should be filled with nice clear pale-yellow brake fluid up to or near the Full line. That's a good baseline for keeping an eye on things. I suggest exchanging your brake fluid (if you know how) or having your mechanic do it every few years as part of good routine maintenance. The "bleeding" part of this exorcises any air bubbles and also compels a good up-close-and-personal look at the brake part of each wheel, so you can spot anything that has gone awry or seems likely to. Cheers, --Joe |