Brake Fluid question

[Logie]

When checking under the hood yesterday. I noticed theres 2 res's for brake fluid. One on the servo and a small one on its own on the drivers side, mine is on the low mark and the brakes do feel a bit spongy although it has new discs/pads all round.

Whats the 2nd res for? Should i top it up to the max? Whats the best fluid if so, thanks in advance

 

[Guest]

There is only 1 brake fluid reservoir. The other is for the clutch.[]

As a general rule, you should frequently check, but never top up, your brake fluid. When you have new pads, the fluid level should be at the max mark. As the brake pads wear, the level will drop (because some of the fluid will be used to push the pistons that little bit further out). If you top up the fluid at this point, then it will overflow when you next put new pads in.

If your brake fluid level drops for any other reason, it means that you have a leak, so you should get it checked and fixed.

If your brakes feel a bit spongy, it could be that you just need new brake fluid (assuming that it wasn't done when you last had it serviced). Changing brake fluid is actually quite a simple task, which any competent mechanic could do on their own car. However, if you aren't 100% certain about your ability in this area, you should take it to a garage and get them to change it for you. It's one of those jobs that, although simple, really has to be done properly. Otherwise you could kill yourself (or even worse, somebody else).

If you've recently had new brake fluid, then it's going to be something a bit more major in the braking system that will need attention, so you should get it checked out ASAP.

Cheers

James

 

[Logie]

lol i only thought it was for the brakes because it said "Use original brake fluid" on the cap

What should i top the clutch up with? It is on the min mark

The brake fluid is on max, but the fluid has been in there for 4 years (Although the car was in storage for over 3 of those years). I've changed brake fluid before, although with this car and just going to take it to my mates garage where it will cost me £20 + the Fluid. I cant be arsed dealing with stuck, sized or snapped nipples where my mate can just heat it up if its tough

 

[Fen]

It's the same type of fluid as the brakes. LHD cars share the same reservoir.

 

[Guest]

The clutch uses the same fluid as the brakes, so just top it up with that.

If you've had the same fluid in there for 4 years, that'll very probably be the cause of your spongy pedal. You should change brake fluid every 12 months really.

£20 sounds like a bargain. I'll get him to do mine the next time it needs doing. []

 

[Logie]

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