Brake fluid is a necessary part of any car, and it’s important to keep it topped off so that your brakes work properly. But how do you know when the brake fluid needs to be refilled? Here are four signs that your brake fluid system needs a flush:
1. The brake pedal feels soft or spongy.
2. Your vehicle starts to pull to one side when you apply the brakes.
3. You see air bubbles in the brake fluid.
4. The warning light on your dashboard comes on.
Symptoms of a Brake Fluid System Failure
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to replace your brake fluid system:
– A “pinging” noise when you apply the brakes
– A lack of braking power
– Radial or lateral movement when you apply the brakes
Here’s how to flush and replace your brake fluid system:
1. Park your car in a safe location with the hazards on. Make sure all passengers are out of the car.
2. Shut off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open the hood. Remove the front bumper cover and the two front wheel well covers. Underneath these covers is a reservoir that holds brake fluid. The brake fluid reservoir should be visible on either side of the master cylinder.
4. Remove the brake line union by unscrewing it from both sides of the master cylinder. This will allow you to flush out any accumulated debris inside the line connector.
5. In a bucket, mix about 1 gallon of water with 4 ounces of brake cleaner (generic or equivalent). Fill a large bucket with enough clean water to cover the master cylinder, then add enough brake cleaner to make it halfway up
How to Fix a Brake Fluid System
If you are having trouble fixing your brake fluid system, follow these steps.
1. Disconnect the brake fluid hose from the reservoir.
2. Remove the cap on the reservoir and unscrew the top of the reservoir.
3. Remove the screw that holds the filter cover in place and remove the filter cover.
4. If necessary, remove the sediment filter and clean it with a brush or a cloth soaked in brake fluid solvent. Replace the filter if necessary.
5. Add fresh brake fluid to the reservoir until it is full and screw on the top of the reservoir.
6. Reattach the brake fluid hose to the reservoir and replace the cap.
7. Reconnect the negative battery cable, then start your car.
8. Check for leaks by spraying a light mist of brake fluid onto a piece of paper and watching for bubbles or sooty deposits on the paper. If no leaks are found, reinstall your wheel bearings and torque them to 12 Nm (88 in-lbs). If still no leaks are found, have a technician check your system.
How to Prevent a Brake Fluid System Failure
Brake fluid is essential to the safety of your car. When it comes time to replace your brake fluid, be sure to flush the refill system first. This will remove any old residue and ensure that your brakes are working at their best. Follow these steps to flush your brake fluid system:
1.) Shut off the car and remove the key from the ignition.
2.) Remove the front wheel hubcap.
3.) Locate and unscrew the bleed screw on each caliper (see diagram below).
4.) Park the car on a level surface with the wheels straight ahead and the parking brake disengaged.
5.) Using a funnel, pour 3 quarts of brake fluid into each caliper. Do not overfill! If you do, you may experience difficulties removing the calipers later on.
6.) Replace the bleeder screws and hubcap. Reattach the key to the ignition and start the car. The brakes should now work properly.