If you’re like most drivers, you’re probably familiar with the brake flushes that are performed routinely on your car. Flushing the brakes uses a powerful stream of water to clean and lubricate the brake pads, and is usually done as part of a regular maintenance schedule. However, there’s one potential problem with brake flushes: they could cause your brakes to leak.
What is a brake flush?
A brake flush is a service that is performed on braking systems to clean and lubricate the system. This helps to prevent brake failure and also reduce the noise and vibration of the brakes.
Brake flushes are typically recommended when there is a noticeable decrease in braking performance or when the brakes seem to be “leaking.” A brake flush can also be done as a preventive measure.
One potential cause of a brake leak is if liquid is getting past the sealant on the brake pad and into the caliper. This can occur if there is an accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris on the pads or if the sealant has worn down.
A brake flush will remove all of this debris and restore the sealant to its original condition. In some cases, a brake flush may also result in an improvement in braking performance.
When should a brake flush be performed?
A brake flush is typically performed when the brakes feel “flimsy” or when there is a noticeable increase in pedal pressure. Brake fluid can become contaminated over time, and a brake flush helps to clean and renew the fluid.
What are the risks of performing a brake flush?
There are a few risks associated with performing a brake flush. One is that the fluid may leak out of the calipers and onto the rotors, potentially causing a brake failure. Additionally, brake fluid can corrode metal parts if it leaks onto them, which can lead to further problems. Finally, flushing the system with a high-pressure stream of fluid may cause internal seals to wear or even rupture, leading to fluid leakage. So while performing a brake flush may seem like a simple solution, there are risks involved that should be considered before taking action.
What to do if a brake leaks after a brake flush
If your car has a brake system that uses fluid, it’s important to know what to do if a brake leaks after a brake flush. A brake flush is a procedure used on some cars to clean the braking system, and it’s typically done when the car is being serviced. However, if you’ve had a brake flush done and your car now has a leak, here are some things to do:
1. Check the hoses leading from the master cylinder to the brakes. Make sure they’re not twisted or kinked. If they are, straighten them out with a pliers.
2. Check the bolts that hold the calipers onto the rotors. Unless you know otherwise, assume that these bolts have been tightened to manufacturer specs. If they haven’t been and your car has been leaking brakes, loosen the bolts slightly and see if that fixes the problem.
3. Check for any tears or holes in the brake lines or hoses themselves. If you find any of these, have them repaired as soon as possible.
4. If none of these steps fix your brake leak, it might be time to replace your brakes entirely.