Brake Fluid Low?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 30, 2008 | 09:22 PM
  #1  
dBski11's Avatar
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Brake Fluid Low?

So i changed my brakes and brake fluid in June and today i was coming back from a snowboarding trip in Wisconsin and i got the brake fluid low warning. Once i got home i popped the hood open and saw that the brake fluid level was below the minimum. Is it normal to lose brake fluid like this... or do you guys think i have leak?
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2008 | 07:50 AM
  #2  
curls's Avatar
Someone stole "My Garage"
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,537
Likes: 17
From: Ottawa, Ontario
It is a sign that your brake pads might need changing (again??). Unless you have a leak, the fluid should never go low. That being said, once the pads lose friction material, the piston travel makes the fluid go lower in the reservoir.

Do not add fluid to the reservoir until you check your brake pads. If you determine the pads are getting thin, change them, and this will force the fluid back into the reservoir and you'l be good to go. If you were to add fluid to top it off and THEN change pads, you would likely force the fluid out the top of the reservoir and into your engine bay, when you compressed the piston to put the new pads in.

For what its worth, I had a brake fluid leak this summer. The right rear caliper had a loose banjo bolt, causing it to piss fluid when I stepped on the brake pedal. I tightened it up and it's been fine since. Make sure you wipe up and then hose off any painted surface that gets brake fluid on it... it'll eat paint for breakfast.
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2008 | 06:33 AM
  #3  
npolite's Avatar
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 707
Likes: 7
From: Drexel Hill, PA
I think in order for this scenario to play out, both sets of pads, front and back would have to be worn thin. And I doubt the pads that the OP replaced in June have worn out. Take a look at the pads and see if this is the case first but look on your driveway for any leaks or pay someone some money to find it.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mada51589
3G TL Problems & Fixes
80
Jan 9, 2025 04:40 PM
fifer16
1G RL (1996-2004)
2
Oct 16, 2015 08:54 AM
ulrblitzer
2G TSX (2009-2014)
58
Sep 24, 2015 07:42 PM
cacheflowe
3G TL (2004-2008)
2
Sep 14, 2015 10:35 AM
HOWELLiNC
3G TL Problems & Fixes
12
Sep 10, 2015 01:39 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:50 PM.