Brake Fluid top up?

[FormerSmurf]

When I brake hard, or pump the brake,the red warning light flickers on briefly, which as my handbrake is working fine, I assume is low brake fluid.

I'm a bit of a servicing noob, and used to get my local indie garage to do this on previous cars, but I need to more myself.

Is it a case of just top up the reservoir with DOT4, or is there a bleeding process I need to follow?

TIA

 

[elty001]

just top up the reservoir with clean fluid:thumb2job done.

 

[AlexD333]

yup, as Elty has said, just top up the reservoir, and yes DOT4 is the norm.

In a few cases some vehicles used a different DOT spec so always check but good ol' Terranos are DOT 4 :thumb2

Make sure you do not get any on the paintwork!! it will strip your paint off in a very short time!!

If you do spill a drop wash it off well!! lots of soapy hot water dont just rub it in :thumb2

 

[R1cho]

yep just top it up but why is it low? i'd check the rear brake cylinders as the rubber likes to give on them

 

[AlexD333]

yep just top it up but why is it low? i'd check the rear brake cylinders as the rubber likes to give on them

True actually,

Somewhere on one of my many thousand posts there are some pics I posted of mine leaking, its streaked brake fluid all down the inside of the rear tyres, should be fairly obvious to spot :thumb2

 

[AlexD333]

Infact, here is the link, pictures also :thumb2

http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22550&highlight=leaking+brake+fluid

 

[R1cho]

True actually,

Somewhere on one of my many thousand posts there are some pics I posted of mine leaking, its streaked brake fluid all down the inside of the rear tyres, should be fairly obvious to spot :thumb2

not always, if its a slow leak it doesn't always show and with the wet weather makes it even harder to spot

 

[Sweety]

yep just top it up but why is it low? i'd check the rear brake cylinders as the rubber likes to give on them

As above & also check the front brake pads as they could need changing:augie

 

[rustic]

All points well covered above.
A sudden change in brake fluid levels could mean a leak.
If you have recently changed discs, pads etc, then after a few hundred miles, the fluid level might drop 4-6 mm as they bed in, and over a year or two... maybe 10-15mm

Tip
On the other hand, if you are changing pads or discs, if the level is too high from previous top ups, then the resevoir can overflow as you push back the pistons in the caliper, so you might need to remove some.

So if it is a fluid leak, check the following...
rear drum pistons, flexi pipe to rear axle, load equaliser valve, over rear axle, rusty brake pipes, front calipers, and flexi pipe to each, master cylinder, also check leaks inside around the brake pedal.

Also, have a water spray handy Before you start... you won't have time to get hot soapy water after the spill, before the paint has been stripped off.
Spray copious amounts of water, do not wipe the surface.

Safety...
Do not take any risks with brakes, you have to be 100% certain that the brakes are perfect. Any doubt at all get them repaired by a professional.

Tip.
If you have worked on the brakes, then regularly check the brake fluid for any sudden changes, until you are satisfied that all is well, and then do your regular checks as normal.

 

[FormerSmurf]

It seems to be fairly gradual, might just be the age of the car and age of the fluid. Will look into it when I get home. I've always got the handbrake for emergencies.... :freak3:

 

[macabethiel]

When I brake hard, or pump the brake,the red warning light flickers on briefly, which as my handbrake is working fine, I assume is low brake fluid.

I'm a bit of a servicing noob, and used to get my local indie garage to do this on previous cars, but I need to more myself.

Is it a case of just top up the reservoir with DOT4, or is there a bleeding process I need to follow?

TIA

If the level is okay for the brake fluid test as below.
The same warning light is incorporated in the vacuum loss / servo fault light. Can you reproduce it by repetative pedal pumping whilst moving at 5 mph ? On my old Terrano it was some small vacuum hoses that were perished.

 

[rustic]

If the level is okay for the brake fluid test as below.
The same warning light is incorporated in the vacuum loss / servo fault light. Can you reproduce it by repetative pedal pumping whilst moving at 5 mph ? On my old Terrano it was some small vacuum hoses that were perished.

Good point, one member had some welding done on the exhaust manifold bolts and the spatter burnt a tiny hole in one of the pipes. You will find the vacuum switch on the inner wing area around the exhaust area.:thumb2

 

[macabethiel]

Good point, one member had some welding done on the exhaust manifold bolts and the spatter burnt a tiny hole in one of the pipes. You will find the vacuum switch on the inner wing area around the exhaust area.:thumb2

On my Terrano it was the small hose to the vacuum warning switch that was perished !!

I replaced all of them from the vacuum reservoir to the servo and the various sensors.