Brake fluid drain and refill

[keithwand]

It seems the top of the brake fluid in my resevoir gets some kind of film or small bubbles on it, almost like crystalizing on the surface.

I have had the fluid drained and refilled twice in the last 5 years.

First time was when it was noticed in 2009 and then again yesterday. It was first noticed by some leakage from the cap that ran down the front.

I recently swapped the caps with my 2011 MKS (leased) and the mechanic/ owner thought this cap fits tight. Don't know if the other one did or did not.

He had no explaination for what is was or why it was occurring but to keep an eye on it.

The car is only driven 500 miles annually; maybe thats the problem.

I also had the coolant drained and refilled for precautionary reasons at 2700 miles.

All fluids otherwise looked new.

Anyone else noticing this and know what/ why?

[Gobird]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

Have no idea what the problem might be. I never changed the brake fluid but did have the coolant flushed and changed last year when the thermostat was replaced.

[snowbird]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

Should the brake fluid reservoir not be allowed to vent as the level goes up and down as you apply the brakes or have a small leak. If not you would create a vacuum in the reservoir. Just my thoughts.

Just a side line. Last year or after I purchased our '03 I had the ocasional "check engine" light come on. Tried many different remedies like injector cleaner etc.. Then after about the third or fourth time, noticed a low level in my brake fluid reservoir, topped it off and have not a had a 'check engine' light since. Go figure.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

Just curious but why was the brake fluid changed twice in a five year period? Was
this done by a Ford dealer or a independent garage?

[007Cruiser]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

Just curious but why was the brake fluid changed twice in a five year period? Was
this done by a Ford dealer or a independent garage?

From first post:

It seems the top of the brake fluid in my resevoir gets some kind of film or small bubbles on it, almost like crystalizing on the surface.

[Southern]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

Brake fluid goes bad. It is Hygroscopic. It attracts water from out of the air. I change mine out every 2 or 3 years.....along w/Pwr Steering fluid. I't not a mileage thing.

[keithwand]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

An idependent garage who also is a friend and neighbor that I trust.

This guy is good and thourough, wears surgical gloves and lets me watch the whole operation rather than off to a dealer and out of sight.

He checks everything with a pen light and even found black widow spider sacs in the front wheel areas. I had the Pest control people spray the garage and hosed them off the car. No more this time around.

Funny story;

I took the Tbird in to the Ford dealer early on for a LOF. The service guy was around 5'4'' so he moved the seat way up.

When they brought the car back to me the well over 6' guy opened the door and was crammed in.

He asked me how the heck anyone could drive a car like this and I pointed out to him the power seat button.

I kind of snickered and he a DUH look on his face! It really was funny.

[EllisonCal]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

Should the brake fluid reservoir not be allowed to vent as the level goes up and down as you apply the brakes or have a small leak. If not you would create a vacuum in the reservoir. Just my thoughts.

Just a side line. Last year or after I purchased our '03 I had the ocasional "check engine" light come on. Tried many different remedies like injector cleaner etc.. Then after about the third or fourth time, noticed a low level in my brake fluid reservoir, topped it off and have not a had a 'check engine' light since. Go figure.

When I asked my dealer whether it was a good idea to top off the brake fluid, he said I shouldn't do it. He said that as the brake pads wear the fluid level would lower and when new pads were then installed the brake fluid would overflow. does this make sense? In olden days we always wanted a full reservoir.
Cal

[snowbird]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

When I asked my dealer whether it was a good idea to top off the brake fluid, he said I shouldn't do it. He said that as the brake pads wear the fluid level would lower and when new pads were then installed the brake fluid would overflow. does this make sense? In olden days we always wanted a full reservoir.
Cal

I would sooner take out a bit of brake fluid if I replaced the brake pads than to have the level get too low and pull air into the system. The fluid level is usually the last thing to check after working on the brakes. (Turkey baasters are a great thing, just don't return it to the kitchen)

[Rondor]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

I had never heard of any one changing brake fuid except on a complete brake job and then I don't believe they were flused. Then I bought a Mercedes and they list it as a routine maint. item. It does make sense when you think about it but brake fuid should have a fairly long life. 2 of my Fords have 100K miles and I have never chanfed fluid but did add when I changed pads and turned rotors.

[Rondor]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

Speaking of brakes, it has been my experience with many Fords that their rotors tend to warp after being turned, and often squeal. I started changing pads before they were wore out and buy the softest ones I can get.Pads are cheaper than rotors and even tho' the soft ones wear out quikr I think they stop better. My truck is on it's 3rd set at 100k miles and rotors never been turned.

[snowbird]

Re: Brake fluid drain and refill

Speaking of brakes, it has been my experience with many Fords that their rotors tend to warp after being turned, and often squeal. I started changing pads before they were wore out and buy the softest ones I can get.Pads are cheaper than rotors and even tho' the soft ones wear out quikr I think they stop better. My truck is on it's 3rd set at 100k miles and rotors never been turned.

The rotors on my 97 Bird showed slight warpage last year. virtaully no wear after 100K miles. It was cheeper to buy new ones than to have them turned. Also, they allow hardly anything to take a cut. Just not worth it any more.

ps. the old 'dot 3' brake fluid absorbed moisture so a good idea to flush every couple of years. the new 'dot 5' does not seem to have that problem as I understand.