slight loss of brake fluid

Sep 20th, 2003, 11:44

Hello chaps, Can anybody offer me some advice, my 850t5 est is using a small amount of brake fluid, I can't find any leaks and there doesn't seem to be any air in the system, could the servo be sucking some in? any ideas?
Bunter

warthog · Sep 20th, 2003, 14:02

Hi Bunter,

How much fluid is being lost over how long?

sholtby · Sep 20th, 2003, 20:47

Fluid level will drop as brake pads wear. Obviously it will drop slowly unless brakes are binding. Otherwise with the engine running and parked on a clean floor press the brake pedal hard a few times and see if there is any fluid on the floor. Check all hoses,pipes calipers etc.

Simon

Sep 20th, 2003, 21:02

Hi Mr warthog,
I reckon about 5ml over about 2weeks or so depending on use. I've owned the car about 3months and have been keeping an eye on all the levels, as you do with a new car! everything about the car is clean and well looked after, loads of history etc, 160k miles, but the brake fluid has requiered topping up from time to time, last week I went on a 500 mile round trip and checked before I left and checked it again upon my return, it required just a small top up, from the 3/4 mark to the upper mark on the reservior. the brakes work ok and it doesn't appear to have any air in the system. At first I thought it might be different temp changes and possibly a bit of condensation or something. I can live with topping it up from time to time, but my mind is working overtime now trying to figure out what might be causing it. it's not using it quick enough to set off any warning lights or anything like that, it's just bugging me now, and of course it won't get any better!
Thanks for your time Warthog
Bunter

Sep 20th, 2003, 21:09

Hi Simon,
Just spotted your reply, You may have hit the nail on the head! I've noticed alot of brake dust on the front wheels just lately, this could point to pads wearing as you suggest,I'll have a look in the morning, could be time for new discs too, I understand that can wear out quickly.

What do think Warthog?

Thankyou both, I'll keep you updated
Bunter

Chris_Rogers · Sep 21st, 2003, 08:23

It's possible the master cylinder is leaking into the servo.
You can remove it for a look without disturbing the brake lines.

Sep 21st, 2003, 09:55

Thanks for that Chris, I haven'y ventured outside yet, I'm going to check the pads and discs, if this doesn't give me any clues, I'm going to do as you suggest, nice to know it can be done without removing the pipe work, thanks again Chris
Bunter

Sep 20th, 2003, 11:44	#1
Bunter Guest Location:	slight loss of brake fluid Hello chaps, Can anybody offer me some advice, my 850t5 est is using a small amount of brake fluid, I can't find any leaks and there doesn't seem to be any air in the system, could the servo be sucking some in? any ideas? Bunter

Sep 20th, 2003, 14:02	#2
warthog VOC Member Last Online: Oct 30th, 2021 14:51 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Bristol	RE: slight loss of brake fluid Hi Bunter, How much fluid is being lost over how long? __________________ Brian '96 T5 Estate Auto

Sep 20th, 2003, 20:47	#3
sholtby Premier Member Last Online: May 26th, 2010 20:17 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: north east	RE: slight loss of brake fluid Fluid level will drop as brake pads wear. Obviously it will drop slowly unless brakes are binding. Otherwise with the engine running and parked on a clean floor press the brake pedal hard a few times and see if there is any fluid on the floor. Check all hoses,pipes calipers etc. Simon

Sep 20th, 2003, 21:02	#4
Bunter Guest Location:	RE: slight loss of brake fluid Hi Mr warthog, I reckon about 5ml over about 2weeks or so depending on use. I've owned the car about 3months and have been keeping an eye on all the levels, as you do with a new car! everything about the car is clean and well looked after, loads of history etc, 160k miles, but the brake fluid has requiered topping up from time to time, last week I went on a 500 mile round trip and checked before I left and checked it again upon my return, it required just a small top up, from the 3/4 mark to the upper mark on the reservior. the brakes work ok and it doesn't appear to have any air in the system. At first I thought it might be different temp changes and possibly a bit of condensation or something. I can live with topping it up from time to time, but my mind is working overtime now trying to figure out what might be causing it. it's not using it quick enough to set off any warning lights or anything like that, it's just bugging me now, and of course it won't get any better! Thanks for your time Warthog Bunter

Sep 20th, 2003, 21:09	#5
Bunter Guest Location:	RE: slight loss of brake fluid Hi Simon, Just spotted your reply, You may have hit the nail on the head! I've noticed alot of brake dust on the front wheels just lately, this could point to pads wearing as you suggest,I'll have a look in the morning, could be time for new discs too, I understand that can wear out quickly. What do think Warthog? Thankyou both, I'll keep you updated Bunter

Sep 21st, 2003, 08:23	#6
Chris_Rogers VOC Member Last Online: Apr 10th, 2017 16:55 Join Date: Jan 1970 Location: South Kent Coast	RE: slight loss of brake fluid It's possible the master cylinder is leaking into the servo. You can remove it for a look without disturbing the brake lines.

Sep 21st, 2003, 09:55	#7
Bunter Guest Location:	RE: slight loss of brake fluid Thanks for that Chris, I haven'y ventured outside yet, I'm going to check the pads and discs, if this doesn't give me any clues, I'm going to do as you suggest, nice to know it can be done without removing the pipe work, thanks again Chris Bunter

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