Brake Fluid check

[morrismen]

Checked the brake fluid on my car last week and it was down. There is a small drain hole which I think is for the hydraulic clutch?!?! and it was just down past this. So topped it up.

So was thinking, if a clutch really wearing out gradually, does this mean that as it wears the hydraulic fluid goes down? Or is it the pads wear and the brake pistons go in and use up more fluid in the lines as they do?

As you can tell, brakes are not my knowledge area so if anyone can advise it would be useful, just in case there is an impending brake or clutch problem. It's done over 100K now.. Thanks

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by morrismen

Checked the brake fluid on my car last week and it was down. There is a small drain hole which I think is for the hydraulic clutch?!?! and it was just down past this. So topped it up.

So was thinking, if a clutch really wearing out gradually, does this mean that as it wears the hydraulic fluid goes down? Or is it the pads wear and the brake pistons go in and use up more fluid in the lines as they do?

As you can tell, brakes are not my knowledge area so if anyone can advise it would be useful, just in case there is an impending brake or clutch problem. It's done over 100K now.. Thanks

Can't speak to the clutch part but your instincts are bang on. As the pads and discs wear the level will go down. If you have a leak (like I do right now, the level will also go down...).

[morrismen]

It's just had an MOT so I would HOPE it doesn't have a brake fluid leak. But hey we're all human and can miss things. The pads will have worn within a year or so though I guess.

Hmmm... you just made me think I need to check the brake pipe on the rear passenger side by the fuel tank drop point because this was said to be rusty last year but was not even mentioned this year - same MOT place. I'll take a look at this myself this weekend in case they missed it.